Goa police shut down stage at Sunburn festival due to loud music
Along with a 10pm deadline, the step was taken as part of a broader initiative to reduce drug use in the state
Goa’s annual Sunburn Festival kicked off on Thursday, December 28, with the event taking place until December 31 at Vagator Beach.
In preparation for New Year's Eve festivities, Goa Police, including the crime branch, anti-narcotics cell, and forensic teams, are actively deployed along the coastal belt to prevent the use and smuggling of narcotics, plus keep check on noise levels.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant gave permission for Sunburn to play music until 10 pm. The state government, in its festival plan submitted to the High Court, outlined that sub-committees, including police and pollution control officials, will monitor noise levels using devices six hours before the event.
On the first day, local authorities responded to complaints from local residents about music volumes crossing the permissible limit at one of the festival’s four stages.
They arrived at the stage around 9:30-10pm, when Dutch duo Bass Jackers were playing their set, which was abruptly stopped, leaving many attendees disappointed.
The police were acting on the orders of the High Court, which directed them to oversee all events happening in Goa.
This step is part of a broader effort initiated in April to reduce drug use in the state. It aims to discourage late-night parties and raves by implementing a 10pm deadline.
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North Goa SP Nidhin Valsan mentioned: “Goa is a serene place. Police are here for the safety of the public. But, at the same time, people should follow the law of the land… Regarding noise pollution, as per the directions of the High Court, special teams have been deployed to ensure all norms are followed in the area.”
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The Goa police were also reportedly given handheld devices known as Raman spectrometers and a mobile rapid screening test system for on-the-spot checks on drug consumption.
“With these devices, there is no need to send the sample to the laboratory and wait for the report… we will immediately get the report and legal action shall be taken accordingly. In the mobile rapid screening test system, the swab sample is taken and the device (machine) is able to confirm if someone has consumed drugs,” Valsan said.
Via Indian Express & English Jagran
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
