Planning a dreamy sun-drenched vacation in Goa soon? Well then, you might've also heard about the "Glowfest: The Lantern Festival" lighting up Morjim this Saturday, May 25. Sounds magical, right? But hold your horses (or should we say, fireflies?). This event has environmentalists and locals seeing red – they fear it'll torch Goa's delicate ecosystem.
So, before you book your spot under a sky choked with lanterns, ask yourself: is this the kind of "glow" you want to be a part of? Let's dig deeper and see if Glowfest aligns with your eco-conscious travel goals. Read on!
Environmental Alarm Bells
Organized by Amusant at Goafornia, the ticketed festival plans to release hundreds of candle-lit paper lanterns into the sky. This seemingly enchanting spectacle has been met with stark opposition from environmentalists and wildlife conservationists. They argue that the event poses a grave threat to the beach's fragile ecosystem, particularly the vital turtle-nesting sites. News of the festival has spread like wildfire, prompting a torrent of angry reactions from the community.
Voices of Opposition
Prominent environmental groups, including Terra Conscious, Marine Life of Goa, Chameleon Wildlife Organisation, and the Living Heritage Foundation, have fiercely denounced the festival. They have provided detailed objections, stressing the event's potential to wreak havoc on the local environment. Amusant's attempts to defend the festival on social media, suggesting mitigation strategies like deploying nets over the sea to catch burnt lanterns, using fireproof threads, or clustering lanterns, have been roundly dismissed by citizens as ludicrous and insufficient.
Looming Community Mobilization & Broad-Based Concerns
Residents, alongside environmentalists and wildlife conservationists, have inundated authorities with emails demanding the event's cancellation and the revocation of any granted permissions. The North Goa District Collector and Goa’s Forest Department’s Wildlife Division have taken note of the uproar
The Diocesan Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) and Fire & Emergency Services (F&Es) have also been engaged. Despite these entities addressing the raised concerns, protestors remain steadfast, fearing an environmental catastrophe if the event proceeds. The community has compiled a comprehensive risk assessment, underscoring threats to both human and wildlife safety.
Risks to Wildlife and Ecosystems
The event's timing, amidst dry summer conditions, heightens the risk of fires affecting village homes, beach infrastructure, forests, and shrubbery. Of particular concern is the Olive Ridley Turtles, an endangered species nesting in the area. The festival's lights, crowds, and noise could endanger the turtles, their eggs, and hatchlings.
Furthermore, small reefs and feeding grounds near the shore, home to rare wildlife, face disruption. The lanterns' ash, paper debris, and bamboo frames, which decompose slowly, threaten to entangle and injure wildlife, with floating debris posing a hazard to marine life.
Official Stance and Future Actions
Shivprasad Naik, SDM and Deputy Collector of Pernem, stated he has received no application from the festival organizers. "It is an eco-sensitive area and a turtle nesting site, so nothing is permitted there. Let them advertise, but I will not allow it to happen," he declared, directing the police to prevent any such activities.
Prem Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, added, "We learned of the festival through social media. We are investigating and have conducted a field inspection. The Forest Department does not grant permissions for such events, so we are checking with other agencies. Our staff is ensuring the protection of the turtle nesting site."
As the date approaches, the community's resolve to protect Morjim's delicate ecosystem remains unshaken. The pressure on authorities to halt the festival continues to mount, highlighting the community's dedication to preserving their natural heritage against potentially harmful events.
As an eco-conscious traveler, I firmly oppose Glowfest. What do you think? Should we prioritize the environment over festivities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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