Panaji: The state government has resolved against holding electronic dance music festivals on Goa beaches and suggested a shift in the venue, noting that the mega events cause damage to the coastal areas.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) said that spots like Candolim cannot be rented out for big events as the area constitutes sand dunes complex, which are classified in Costal Regulation Zone One where no such activity can be permitted.
The authority, in a meeting held on May 26, suggested three sites in South Goa - Betul plateau, Cananguinim hill top and Cabo de Rama cliff/hill top - for the events to take place.
Electronic dance music festivals like Sunburn and Supersonic are held at Vagatore and Candolim beach every year.
The mega-festivals along the coastal areas of Goa in December 2014 has taught us lessons, the officials observed.
The Authority reached to the conclusion following site inspection and observation by the expert members - Dr Antonio Mascarenhas and Dr Nitin Sawant, who visited the mega event sites-Candolim on December 31 last year and Vagator on January 3 this year.
Experts observed that a large undulating hind dune area at Candolim was severely trampled upon and vegetation was found uprooted in totality.
"Plastic waste was scattered all over. The four huge stages and platforms had its share of impacts. It was also noticed that long trailer trucks were moving all over the dune field thus creating further remobilization of dune sands," GCZMA officials said.
"GCZMA noted that there should be change in the venue of the mega festivals and events held in Goa and hence decided to forward the same to Department of Tourism for comments and views," the meeting noted.
Of the three sites, a part of Cabo de Rama plateau falls within the NDZ. "Either one or all three sites can be designated as permanent venues for major festivals," the officials said.
No adverse impacts can be envisaged on these hill tops as these are barren areas composed of hard rock, they said.
However, the views of the owners and residents are needed and respective local Panchayats need to be taken into confidence, they said.
