PANAJI: Stating that music and liquor is a part of the Goan culture and Goenkarponn (Goan ethos), Goa Tourism Minister Manohar ‘Babu’ Azgaonkar Friday said that he would try to get back the electronic dance and music (EDM) festivals like Sunburn to boost tourism in the state.
“EDMs like Sunburn are important events that need to be promoted. I will try to bring back EDMs to Goa. We will do a proper study and accordingly I will take a decision,” said Azgaonkar while speaking on the sidelines of a function held on the occasion of the 126th birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Panaji.
Blaming tourists for excessive drinking and causing nuisance along the coastal belt of the state, Azgaonkar said, “The outsiders who come here create problem after drinking. They ruin our culture and that should not happen. This has to be controlled.”
Stating that Goans are responsible drinkers, he said, “Goans, when they drink alcohol, they do not lose control. Even if a local drinks alcohol, the next person will not know he has consumed liquor. He will not show it.”
He said that police officials have been deployed especially to crack down on drug cases in the state. He said that the cops have been asked to initiate action against people involved in the drug trade failing which it may lead to their suspension from the job.
Commenting on late night parties, he said that he would be in favour of extending the time limit, provided the party is in control.
“Irrespective of which community one belongs to, illegal business will not be allowed. We are not opposing people who are operating with licence and all clearances from the concerned government departments, provided they run their business by following our Goan ethos and culture,” said Azgaonkar while reacting to the recent controversy related to the Lamani community which attracted outrage and criticism from the opposition parties.