Goa govt plans to develop EDM zone at Anjuna-Vagator

Panaji: The tourism department is working on a proposal to set up an entertainment hub at the Anjuna-Vagator hilltop, where the Sunburn EDM festival used to be held. State govt intends to set up a fully-equipped facility for mega events on 1.5 lakh sqm. The project cost is yet to be finalised, and the department is yet to give the official nod for the project.

“We have proposed to develop a plug-and-play entertainment hub at Anjuna-Vagator hill, which has hosted the ‘Sunburn’ EDM festival for many years,” said a tourism department official.

According to the proposal, the fully equipped plug-and-play facility will have a sophisticated sound system, lighting, stage setups and audience amenities, which would make it ready to host large-scale events seamlessly.

Apart from the Sunburn EDM that draws international musicians to the state, Goa recently played host to Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams. In the past, Danish soft rock band ‘Michael Learns To Rock’ also played live concerts in Goa.

Given the thriving nightlife and popularity as a destination for music festivals, state govt wants to create facilities along the North Goa coastal belt.

If given the green light, govt wants the facility to have a low-carbon footprint for the infrastructure, with plans to incorporate a solar energy plant, rainwater harvesting and waste management facilities. State govt hopes that a sustainable design will minimise the environmental impact of EDMs and musical festivals and align with Goa’s natural beauty.

The department hopes that the creation of a plug-and-play facility will spur local economic growth and boost revenue for the tourism industry. The site where the Sunburn festival was held belongs to the Anjuna comunidade has emerged as a popular spot for biking events, EDMs and other festivals.

The events generate income for local homestays, taxi operators, restaurants and food stalls. State govt hopes that by setting up a proper facility for events, it would generate employment for locals too.