What Is Goa’s Lantern Festival
Why It Has Been cancelled?
This protest happened because Morjim is a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles and Goa’s Lantern Festival can significantly ruin their habitat.
After this, the forest department quickly took action. Prem Kumar R, the deputy conservator of forests for wildlife and eco-tourism in the North, wrote to the environment secretary asking for help to protect the turtle hatchery at Morjim Beach.
Atmaram Gauns, the RFO of the marine range in Morjim, stated that the event organizer had not submitted any documents or permissions for the Goa’s Lantern Festival.
The Pernem deputy collector also instructed Mandrem’s police to deploy the necessary police force and keep a close watch to ensure the festival does not take place. The tourism department also confirmed that the organizers did not seek permission for the event.
Tourism director Suneel Anchipaka stated that necessary actions have been taken. He emphasized their focus on promoting regenerative tourism and declared that they would not permit any event that threatens the environment.
Despite the cancellation of Goa’s Lantern Festival, activists were surprised to see that the booking link remained active. One activist mentioned, “We are keeping our eyes wide open.” This was supposed to be Goa’s first lantern festival.
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