Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte reaffirmed the 'Sunburn Music Festival' dates as December 28 to 30 in North Goa, refuting any plans for December 31. A provisional NOC was issued for those dates, with a committee monitoring compliance with High Court guidelines.
Khaunte emphasized the need to prevent misinformation about Sunburn's schedule and warned of notices to newspapers disseminating inaccurate information. Following local opposition, the Tourism Department barred the festival on December 31, restricting music play until 10 p.m.
Asserting a three-day duration until 10 p.m., Khaunte discussed concerns with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who pledged to respect public sentiment and halt the festival if opposed by locals.
BJP MLA Delilah Lobo supported this decision, highlighting potential disruptions to local businesses and traffic congestion affecting midnight mass attendance, urging Sawant to prevent Sunburn on December 31.
Key Points:
1. Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte reiterated that the 'Sunburn Music Festival' is scheduled for December 28 to 30 in North Goa, contradicting reports of it occurring on December 31.
2. A provisional NOC has been issued, and a committee is monitoring adherence to High Court guidelines, emphasizing the festival's dates and warning against misinformation.
3. The Tourism Department previously declined permission for the festival on December 31 due to local opposition.
4. The Empowered Committee, led by Khaunte, has limited music playing time to 10 p.m. and approved the festival only from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for three days.
5. Organizers' requests for extended hours were denied, and discussions were held with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on the matter.
6. Sawant echoed the sentiment, asserting that if people oppose the festival on December 31, it won't proceed, in alignment with concerns raised by BJP MLA Delilah Lobo.
7. Lobo expressed concerns about adverse effects on local businesses, potential traffic congestion affecting attendance at midnight mass, urging Sawant to disallow the festival on December 31.
8. The Tourism Minister and Chief Minister addressed the opposition, emphasizing the festival's limited duration and considering local sentiments regarding the festival's timing.
9. The committee's decision to restrict music playing hours and festival duration reflects efforts to balance the festival's impact and local concerns.
10. The conflicting views and considerations regarding the 'Sunburn Music Festival' highlight the government's efforts to address community concerns while facilitating the event's organization within specified constraints.
(With Agency Inputs)
