Team Herald
MARGAO: In a coordinated effort to voice their opposition to holding the Sunburn music ‘festival’ in South Goa, members of the NGO Goyche Fuddle Pillge Khatir (GFPK) have personally delivered memorandums to several key government offices. The group, led by GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas, expressed grave concerns about the potential negative impacts of the event on the local community, environment, and youth.
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The GFPK delegation visited the offices of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, Goa Industries Development Corporation (GIDC) Chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) Chairperson Mahesh Patil. Each office received a tailored memorandum addressing specific concerns related to their respective jurisdictions.
In their letter to the DGP, GFPK urged the cancellation of the Sunburn festival, citing widespread opposition from Goan residents. The organisation listed concerns about noise pollution, disruption of daily routines, and the event’s potential to exacerbate drug-related issues in the State. “The event, if proposed to be held, is likely to create a law-and-order problem in the State,” Mascarenhas warned in the letter.
The memorandum addressed to the CM emphasised the festival’s history of associated drug use and noise pollution. The GFPK expressed scepticism about the State authorities’ ability to effectively regulate such events, based on past experiences. “We urge you to consider the concerns raised and take decisive action to prevent the Sunburn festival from taking place in South Goa,” Mascarenhas wrote.
In their communications with the GSPCB Chairperson, GIDC Chairman, and Environment Minister, GFPK focused on the environmental and social impacts of the festival. The group stressed that beyond noise pollution and environmental damage, the event would disrupt the normal life and tranquillity of residents. Appealing to the officials’ personal stakes in the matter, Mascarenhas noted, “We are sure that you too, having children and/or other close young family members, will use your good offices to ensure that this notorious event is not held in Goa.”
GFPK’s campaign against the Sunburn festival stems from a press conference held on August 22, where they outlined their objections in detail.
GFPK questioned why the State government would consider granting permission for the festival given its track record and the court’s previous rulings. They also expressed concern about online ticket sales occurring before official permissions are secured.
The citizens had also questioned the State government’s ability to properly regulate such a large-scale event, citing past controversies and legal issues surrounding the festival in North Goa. The event’s potential arrival during the peak tourism season in late December has raised alarm amongst th
ese residents who cherish South Goa’s traditionally peaceful atmosphere.
