This is with reference to the news report ‘Despite in-principle nod, Pernem MLA reiterates opposition to Sunburn festival’ (TGE, Dec 13). The issue of granting permission to the organisers of the Sunburn festival in Goa to hold their annual EDM festival has now become a hot potato, raising several questions as to who is the final authority to grant permission.
As of now, the organisers have an in-principle nod to host the EDM festival in Dhargal, Pernem, despite fierce opposition from the locals, who fear the destruction of their culture, peace, and tranquillity. A similar situation has arisen in every village in North and South Goa, where permission has been unanimously denied by local authorities.
Is it therefore not the duty of the Goa government to heed the demands and wishes of the people of Goa before letting the matter go full circle and land at the doorsteps of the High Court?
