Goa minister against holding of two simultaneous EDMs

Goa Tourism department will appeal to a clearance committee to not allow holding of two electronic dance music (EDM) festivals in same district or at a same time.
The government's argument is that the current practice of holding the events either simultaneously or in same district not only increases pressure on police but also results in rise in hotel fares and food rates.
"We have decided to appeal to department's single-window committee, which grants permission for various tourism promotion events, to not allow EDMs at same time or in same district," Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told PTI today.
The committee is headed by Tourism Secretary, with officials of various department as its members.

Parulekar said due to heavy rush during EDMs, the rates of hotels and food go up, making the coastal state an expensive destination for tourists.
"Lakhs of visitors arrive to attend these festivals leading to increase in the air fares, hike in accommodation tariffs and restaurants charging fatter bills for food," the minister said.

He said situation in North Goa where EDMs are held becomes "chaotic" thus creating pressure on police machinery.
Goa typically hosts two EDMs - Sunburn and Supersonic, both in North Goa and at the same time, which is the last week of December when there is a heavy rush for New Year bash.

Parulekar's statement came a day after Goa Police objected to holding of two EDMs adjacent to each other at the current venue in December.
"Last year, we had raised objection to holding two EDMs next to each other. We have also raised our objection this year," Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sunil Garg told reporters yesterday.
Garg said police have recommended shifting of one EDM to South Goa.
"If one of the festivals is shifted that becomes easier for police to have proper vigil and security in place," he had said.