Sunburn faces heat of angry Kesanand villagers
They accused saying the festival promotes consumption of drugs, alcohol and obscenity.
Pune: Protest against Sunburn seems to be growing by the day as Kesanand villagers, where the festival will be held, have expressed their disappointment for the festival being hosted at their village. They accused saying the festival promotes consumption of drugs, alcohol and obscenity. Sunburn festival, known for electronic music dance, will be held from December 28-31 at Kesanand village near Wagholi, on Pune-Ahamednagar road.
The villagers held special gramsabha to express their opposition. Over 100 villagers gathered for the meeting. Milind Hargude, Sarapanch of Kesannad, said, “The Sunburn team has already cut down all the trees and bushes across the area. How are they growing to plant trees at such a large scale? Loud music for four days will be harmful to the eco-system. Besides, we do not want villagers, especially youngsters, coming across so-called national and international music enthusiasts consuming alcohol, drugs and dancing in obscene manner. Sunburn music is spoiling the youth.”
Hindu Janjagruti Samiti has already demanded cancellation of the event saying Goa had ousted the festival as its earlier nine editions had caused major environmental damage. “Goa government did not give permission for the festival this year. They have moved here to spoil culture here. As we know, Neha Bahuguna, a girl died due over consumption of drugs in 2009 in Goa,” said Parag Gokhale of HJS.
On Tuesday Abhay Vartak, spokesperson, Sanatan Sanstha, accused the government, and he said, “Government charge taxes on deposition of money over Rs 50,000 in banks. But why is the state allowing Sunburn to cost Rs 50,000 to 80,000. Are they going to pay taxes in the proportion? Earlier, Sunburn had not paid taxes to the Goa government. Organisations of DJs have already opposed the event.
Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn festival, told The Asian Age, “We have all the required permissions from concerned authorities. We do not allow bags, water bottles in the campus. How are people going to get drugs inside the venue?