MARGAO: A group of concerned citizens, united under the collective Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir (GFPK), has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Sunburn festival in South Goa. At a media briefing, GFPK representatives raised concerns about increased drug use, noise pollution, and erosion of local cultural values. They warned that they will not allow events like Sunburn to “destroy the peace, environment, and culture in South Goa.”
GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas outlined primary concerns, including regulatory failures in past editions of the festival. He cited a statement from a local BJP MLA who acknowledged the difficulty of policing a large crowd, intensifying fears about widespread drug use. The citizens highlighted criticism from the High Court regarding the handling of the 2022 festival, where the court noted ‘repeated breaches’ of noise pollution rules and a lack of enforcement.
Mascarenhas emphasised that drug abuse is becoming increasingly prevalent in South Goa, putting young people at risk. GFPK questioned why the State government would consider granting permission for the festival given its track record and the court’s previous rulings. They expressed concern about online ticket sales occurring before official permissions are secured.
