VAGATOR/ PORVORIM, March 3 -- AUGUSTO RODRIGUES

The fight against persistent noise pollution in Vagator and Anjuna took an unexpected turn when the Goa government, on Monday, joined petitioner Desmond Alvares in abruptly rejecting Janie Crasto as a member of the Noise Monitoring Committee (NMC), leaving local residents shocked and disappointed.

The government had initially approved Crasto's appointment but later reversed its decision. Advocate General Devidas Pangam defended the move, stating, "There will be a conflict of interest if she is made a member, as she has previously filed complaints against establishments playing loud music. Hence, it would not be fair to have her on the committee."

The sudden reversal has fueled concerns am...