MARGAO: The Loutolim gram sabha on Sunday unanimously decided to oppose any plans to hold the Sunburn electronic dance music (EDM) event on the Verna-Loutolim plateau, with the villagers threatening to a launch an agitation if the government grants permission to the music festival which is widely associated with drugs.
Villagers of all ages, not only opposed the Sunburn EDM event, but also rejected the proposed garbage treatment plant on the Verna plateau. The overwhelming turnout reflected the community’s strong stance on the issues concerning the village.
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It is pertinent to note that in the past, several panchayats in Salcete taluka have resolved to oppose the Sunburn EDM event in the South district. Their objections are based on concerns that the event is closely associated with narcotic drugs, which they believe contribute to the destruction of youth’s life. These panchayats have cited the negative social impacts of such events as their primary reason for opposing the event.
A few days prior, the inclusion of the Sunburn EDM event in the agenda of the Loutolim gram sabha sparked controversy and confusion among residents. The issue led to mixed reactions and uncertainty about the panchayat’s stance. However, the panchayat later clarified that the discussion was being held in response to requests from the villagers, aiming to address their concerns directly.
The villagers strongly opposed the holding of Sunburn EDM on the Verna-Loutolim plateau. However, a gram sabha member questioned the panchayat’s conduct of the meeting, noting that a majority of villagers had requested to continue with the discussion.
Sarpanch Sanfrancisco Fernandes stated that he was prepared to cancel the gram sabha if the villagers were opposed to the same.
Xavier Fernandes, a villager, mentioned that there were rumours about the Sunburn EDM being proposed on the Verna-Loutolim plateau.
He stressed the urgent need to address these concerns and oppose the event through the panchayat. He stressed the need to initiate proactive measures to prevent the event from taking place in their area.
“We, the villagers of Loutolim, don’t want a drug culture,” stated Xavier Fernandes. “Sunburn is widely associated with drugs, and we do not want our youth to be drawn to such festivals, which could jeopardise their future,” Xavier said.
Ramiro Mascrenhas said, “We will not allow any move to hold the Sunburn EDM on the Verna-Loutolim plateau.”
He mentioned that the villagers are opposed to the garbage treatment plant project within the jurisdiction of the Loutolim Panchayat. “Two years ago, we opposed the plant, and today we are opposing it again because we have information that the government is moving ahead with the project,” he added.
Mario Pereira claimed that the proposed garbage treatment plant on the Loutolim plateau would negatively impact nearby residential houses and agricultural fields.
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