It is learnt that Mopa residents have raised objections to the Sunburn Festival that is proposed to be held in the village. They have alleged that it is not a festival but a party where illegal activities including consumption of drugs, etc. take place. The villagers have appealed to the government authorities not to give the necessary permission to organize the festival at Mopa. If at all they can have such international musical programs close to the beach along the coastal belt. It is pertinent to note that the promoter of Sunburn has reportedly commenced selling early-bird tickets online for the four-day event without officially announcing the venue. This has probably prompted the Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte to comment that music festivals should play music but the government will not allow musical events to make the Goa government dance to their tune. It would be prudent to permanently allot government land to be rented out for organizing such massive Musical Festivals which should be away from the villages. It would also bring revenue for the government.
