PANAJI
Questioning the controversy surrounding the Sunburn- Electronic Dance Music Festival (EDM) - an annual event, the Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday said that the government will consider granting permission to the event, provided the organizers have suitable land and required NOC, to host the event.
As Sunburn Goa 2024 up for its highly anticipated return, controversy swirls around Asia's premier EDM festival, slated to take place from December 28-30, this time to a new venue. The event has been taking place along the North coastal belt since over the last 15 years.
Speaking to media persons, Khaunte questioned why there is a controversy surrounding Sunburn, when the activity has been happening in the State for the last several years.
“The festival is not something new… it is happening every year… as such I would not like to comment much… will also have to understand the sentiments of the people of Goa,” he said.
“ …if they (Sunburn organizers) are able to get the land and required permission like NOC, then definitely we will consider the event and grant permission,” the Minister added.
Khaunte said that the event organizers had forwarded a proposal to the tourism department almost five months back proposing to host the festival in South Goa; but they had no documents and hence it was not considered.
“Unless they identify the land to host the event, and get an NOC for the same from the local body, the tourism department will not process the application. Once they submit a proper proposal with all documents, we will process the application,” he explained.
The decision to relocate Sunburn from North Goa to South Goa has sparked a wave of discontent, with locals and political leaders citing concern over potential environmental degradation, surge in crime and drug related incidents.
Meanwhile, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said that Sunburn should not be forced on the people of South Goa, if they don’t want it. He said he supports the event as long as it follows all rules and regulations, especially for a ‘Clean Sunburn’.
