Team Herald
PANJIM: While the State has begun to welcome tourists by way of easing COVID-19 restrictions, the government is not keen on allowing crowd-puller shows amid the possibility of a third wave.
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Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said the government will not risk the lives of the people by allowing night parties or major events. The decision is subject to change in SOP depending on the COVID-19 situation globally.
“We will act as per the SOP. Although we have relaxed rules for visitors with both doses of vaccination, there will be no compromise on events or shows which attract large crowds. We want every individual to be safe,” the minister told Herald.
The State, on Monday, submitted to High Court of Bombay at Goa that it will not allow ‘liberal tourism’ in Goa. Advocate General Devidas Pangam explained that liberal tourism entails group activities which are crowd gathering and compromise on COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. Music shows and any event that attracts large crowd related to tourism fall under the category of liberal tourism.
Ajgaonkar said that while about 60 per cent of the population is dependent on tourism for their survival, no activity should be allowed that would cost one’s life. “People have to cooperate. Lives of every Goan and visitor are important to us. We understand that business is important but not at the cost of people’s safety,” he added.
With the tourist season approaching next month, night clubs and major event organisers have geared up to host shows. While Sunburn is awaiting a nod from the government for its electronic dance music festival, there are other event organisers who have already begun selling tickets for their events. In one instance, a New Year’s Eve event is slated on December 31-January 1 at a nightclub in Vagator. The government is yet to inquire into the alleged permission for the show.
The High Court recently allowed the State government’s request to permit fully vaccinated people, post 14 days of their second dose, to enter Goa without an RT-PCR negative test or a rapid antigen test.
