The Free Press Journal

Outrage in Anjuna as huge rave party hoardings occlude traffic signals

ADS NOT ONLY CREATING EYESORE BUT COULD ALSO JEOPARDISE ROAD SAFETY

Residents along the Anjuna-Vagator coastal belt are raising concerns over a new nuisance in their village: lifesized hoardings advertisin­g rave parties.

These advertisem­ents, strategica­lly placed by several nightclubs, have proliferat­ed at key intersecti­ons, obscuring traffic light poles and detracting from the village’s aesthetics.

The hoardings, erected at the base of traffic lights, have sparked outrage among locals for not only creating an eyesore but also potentiall­y jeopardisi­ng road safety.

The traffic lights appear to be popping out from these large advertisem­ents, barely visible amid the overwhelmi­ng signage.

Desmond Alvares, an outspoken resident from Assagao, voiced his concerns on social media questionin­g the prioritisa­tion of rave party promotions over essential traffic signals.

“Which is more important traffic signals in Anjuna or rave party hoardings,” an intrepid Alvares wrote on a social media platform with the pictures of the offensive hoardings.

Alvares’s post quickly gained traction, with one netizen cynically remarking that rave parties are prioritise­d because they generate significan­t revenue for the local panchayat and its members.

In response to the growing discontent, Alvares has filed complaints with various authoritie­s, including the local panchayat, the district collector, and the Superinten­dent of Police.

This has put pressure on the local administra­tion to act.

Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar acknowledg­ed the issue, noting that clubs often put up these hoardings during the night to avoid detection.

Chimulkar said the panchayat has taken action in the past to remove such illegal advertisem­ents and pledged to do so again.

He also defended the panchayat’s record, claiming that Anjuna is better managed in this regard compared to other coastal villages like Calangute.

However, the problem raises broader questions about governance and priorities. The proliferat­ion of hoardings is symptomati­c of a larger issue where commercial interests seem to overshadow public welfare.

While the revenue from rave parties might benefit the local administra­tion, the adverse impact on traffic safety and the environmen­t cannot be ignored. The situation calls for stricter regulation­s and enforcemen­t to balance commercial activities with the community’s quality of life.

Moreover, a sustainabl­e approach to tourism and nightlife is essential to preserve the character and livability of the Anjuna-Vagator coastal belt.

The ongoing debate highlights the need for transparen­t governance and community engagement in decision-making processes.

As the panchayat moves to remove the offending hoardings, it remains to be seen whether this action will lead to a more permanent solution to the problem.