PANJIM: Against the backdrop of protests against film shoots and the surge in COVID cases and deaths in the State, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) on Thursday issued an order cancelling all the permissions it had granted for the film and television serial shootings in the State.
“Considering the unprecedented rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the State of Goa, as per the directions of the Government of Goa, film shooting in the State in both private and public properties has been suspended until further orders. All NOCs that have been issued by this office stand suspended with effect from May 6, 2021. The Line Producers of ESG and all concerned are hereby instructed to strictly comply with the same,” read ESG’s order.
Speaking about this issue, ESG Vice Chairperson Subash Faldesai said that they will review its decision only after the pandemic is under control. He added that such shoots, which were currently underway in the State, have also been asked to wind up their schedules.
He acknowledged that film and serial producers from Mumbai and Chennai had shifted their shoots to Goa from places like Mumbai and Chennai due to the pandemic in those respective areas.
However, he pointed out the strict restrictions in place including imposition of Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits the assembly of more than four people at one place, due to which such film shootings cannot be permitted.
It may be recalled that recently, there has been opposition to such film shoots taking place in various parts of Goa during the pandemic.
