_____ From: Averthan D'Souza [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 01 February 2008 12:49 To: Gomantak Times ([EMAIL PROTECTED]); Herald Goa; Goan Observer Subject: Our confused M.P. Dear Editor, The (dubiously) honourable M.P. from South Goa appears to be suffering from chronic mental malfunction. He has made contradictory statements on the Special Economic Zones and on the proposed Mopa airport. On the one hand, he praised the Chief Minister for scrapping the SEZs because this was in the best interest of the people of Goa, but on the other hand, he reiterates his view that SEZs are good for Goa because they will provide employment for the local youth. Similarly, he has being blowing hot and cold on the proposed international airport at Mopa. Quite obviously he makes his public pronouncements before he has taken the trouble to study the issues in depth. He definitely needs to employ an "Advisor" to assist him in his function as the representative of the Goan people in Parliament. His latest faux-pas is his reported statement that he will introduce an amendment in Parliament to the Noise Pollution Act. This assurance was reportedly given to the newly formed Goa Tourism and Entertainment Association, which is seeking to extend the prohibition of amplified music from 10 p.m. to midnight. Earlier, he had promised to introduce a Private Member's Bill in Parliament to make bull fights legal. Our M.P. is acquiring notoriety for always backing the wrong bull (or is it horse?). The Goa Tourism and Entertainment Association, which is a motley crowd of uninformed and obviously ill-advised people are barking up the wrong tree. First of all, their ire is directed against the Madhya Pradesh Control of Music and Noises Act, 1951 which was sought to be made applicable to Goa by the Goa Amendment Bill, 2000. However, the Central Government issued a Notification (S.O. 123 (E) dated 14 February, 2000 under the Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules, 1999 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ( 29 of 1986) which supersedes all State Laws on the subject. The agitation of the Goa Tourism and Entertainment Association, against the Goa Government therefore, is misdirected and meaningless. The subject of Noise Pollution is now within the jurisdiction of the Central Government, and the State Government cannot override any legislation which is passed by Parliament. It is amazing that some of the lawyers who were present at the meeting, and who, obviously, provided the legal advice to this group, were not aware of the legal status of the Noise Pollution Rules. Apart from the legalities, however, the control of noise pollution is a social necessity. These interested persons, who are only concerned about their businesses, should show a sense of social responsibility by respecting the rights of the ordinary citizens, specially, the aged, the ill and the children, who suffer immensely from the inordinate noise generated by these so-called promoters of tourism. Tourists, as well as local citizens, want peace and serenity rather than noise. Yours truly, Averthanus L. D'Souza, D-13, La Marvel Colony, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004. Tel: 2453628.
