The Tourism Department sponsored Shigmo festival is ongoing in the State. Shigmo is an expression of the faith, culture and creativity of Goans. But a distressing trend in recent years is the Shigmo parades which stretch up to dawn and do not conclude by 10.00 p.m. thus violating the sound pollution Norms. While the efforts of Romtamel groups and tableau artists are acknowledged, it should not become a norm to flout environmental sound norms with administrative and political blessings. It is shocking that despite the Model Code of Conduct of Corporation of the City of Panaji elections in effect in Panaji city, the Shigmo parade continued well past midnight and the returning officer as well as the Deputy Collector did not implement the law. I recall that in 2019, the Deputy Collector of Ponda had closed the Shigmo at 10 pm. This shows that where there is a will, there is a way. The political leadership should nudge bureaucrats to follow the noise pollution norms.
