PANJIM: The State government is firm on its decision not to allow two electronic dance music (EDM) festivals in quick succession during the Christmas-New Year rush. Moreover, the Government is also considering banning holding of such events in the peak season between December 15-January 15.
However, the EDM organizers — Sunburn and Supersonic — have made representation to the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and Chief Secretary RK Srivastava, stating that it won’t be feasible for them to hold the events post January 15 as it would be difficult to attract crowd.
The State Level Permission Panel for EDM chaired
by Parulekar, held its first meeting on Tuesday, wherein they decided not to allow two EDMs at the same time.
Speaking to HERALD post meeting, Parulekar said the government is of view that on the security front it is not possible to allow two EDMs at the same time as the situation in North Goa where EDMs are held becomes “chaotic” thus creating pressure on police machinery.
“We will stick to our decision and there won’t be any sort of compromise on this,” Minister said adding ‘security and safety of Goans and others attending EDM is of uttermost importance’.
Parulekar said that the meeting was called following application from Sunburn seeking permission to hold EDM this year. “We have asked them to propose the date and place for holding the event,” he said.
“We have also conveyed the organizers that to consider holding event before December 15 or post January 15 to reduce further pressure on state machinery” he explained.
“However, the EDM organizers have raised their unwillingness to hold the events post January 15, claiming it won’t attract crowd,” Minister added.
Meanwhile, the Goa Police in a letter to State government has objected to two EDM festivals scheduled to be held in North Goa at the same time. According to reports, hosting two events simultaneously puts a lot of pressure on the state’s security apparatus, especially at a time when tourists’ season is at peak.
Goa typically hosts two EDMs – Sunburn and Supersonic, both in North Goa are held from December 27-30, which is the last week of December when there is a heavy rush for New Year bash.
