NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Goa Forward Party leader and Minister for Town and Country Planning Vijai Sardesai has demanded relaxation for loud music till midnight during the tourist season in the state. He has also demanded grant of power to the state government on inland waterways.
Confirming on Tuesday that he got an opportunity to put his views across during a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, Sardesai said that he has put forward his demands, which are in the interest of Goa and Goans.
The GFP leader said that he emphasised on the preservation of the state’s distinct natural, architectural and cultural identity as it is observing 50 years of the historic Opinion Poll, the only referendum in the country.
“Because of this distinct identity of the state, people from all over the country and even from foreign countries prefer Goa as a wedding destination. So I have asked the central government to give relaxation to loud music, which presently has a restriction up to 10 pm at night under the central Act. I have also demanded the framing of state-specific rules, which can allow music ceremonies to go on till 12 am for six months in the tourist season,” Sardesai said, adding that he also urged the Centre to find out a solution over the Supreme Court order banning liquor outlets along highways, in order to give relief to the tourism industry in the state.
The minister said that he has also demanded for clarity on the proposal of nationalisation of state rivers and also requested for local permission on the matter in the interest of traditional occupations in the coastal state of Goa.
Sardesai said that as a coalition partner in the BJP-led state government, his party is now a part of NDA and assured that his party will support BJP in the Lok Sabha election to be held in 2019.
Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) leader and PWD Minister Ramakrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar also attended the meeting.
