People’s power has finally prevailed with the State government denying permission to the Sunburn Electronic Dance Music on December 31. The Empowered Committee under the Goa Tourism Board resolved to deny permission for New Year’s Eve while also deciding to restrict the timing of the evening between 4 pm and 10 pm, which means the EDM will not be allowed to take the show beyond their usual timing of midnight and beyond. The question is whether authorities will show the will to enforce the law.
The High Court on Tuesday directed Goa DGP, Goa State Pollution Control Board and the District Collector to submit a plan of action by December 20 on how the noise pollution at Sunburn will be monitored. The Court has also directed authorities to attend the EDM festival to monitor decibel levels. It is heartening that the High Court is seized with the matter and feeling the pulse of common citizens. The irony is that authorities have been flouting even the court directives with impunity and calculated deceit.
While the date issue appears to be resolved, it is now to be seen whether sound restrictions will be enforced on Sunburn in letter and spirit, or whether it's going to be an eyewash. The festival has had a free run in previous editions, and several high-profile parties have conveniently enjoyed the privilege of going past the midnight tick, despite the promises of monitoring the sound live by the Goa State Pollution Control Board.
Given the time restrictions spelt out for Sunburn, it now remains to be seen whether the State machinery will get cracking or whether it will itself crack under political pressure. Will authorities be physically present at the venue, or will they dance to their tune? (pun intended). Because, for shows like Sunburn where stakes are high, the law-enforcing police are merely pawns on the chessboard of political power play. The control centres are positioned elsewhere, beyond the sight and reach of any prying eyes.
The worst may be behind for those protesting against Sunburn's December 31 date, but it is still intriguing why Sunburn, being a mega show, was allowed the liberty of making a splash when Goa is already at its peak of festivity. We agree that Goa needs big-ticket shows to pull tourists, it is sheer logic that the State needs to pull crowds when the business is down, possibly when the season is tapering towards mid-Jan or the end of that month or further in February.
Finally, we hope that lessons are learnt from this experience. Sunburn has been going to town opening up bookings and promoting the show way ahead of time even as the government says that permissions have not been granted. Either the organisers are taking the system for granted, or those in the system are trying to drive a hard bargain. Whichever way one looks at it, it does not bode well for the State because it reflects a “kuch bhi chalta hai” culture that is increasingly becoming a norm for tourists.
It’s time for those at the helm to uphold the ethos, culture and traditions of Goa, respect and comply with the High Court directives and send a strong message to all and sundry to play by the rules or face the music.
