The Kerala High Court has raised serious concerns over the upcoming Sunburn Festival, scheduled for New Year’s Eve at a tea plantation in Wayanad. The court has demanded authorities provide detailed information about the event, including permissions, expected crowd size, and the organizing group, following a complaint by two senior citizens submitted to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Easwaran S questioned the preparedness of local authorities to manage the crowd, especially after the region’s devastating landslides in July 2024, which claimed over 250 lives. “Barely after one disaster, now plunging into another,” remarked Justice Nambiar, urging authorities to inform the court about their disaster management plans for the festival.
The event, inspired by Goa’s Sunburn Festival, is expected to draw thousands to the hill district. Boby Chemmannur, the chief promoter, announced international DJ Mari Ferrari’s performance and noted that Rs 499 tickets had already sold out. The festival, spanning 25 acres, is expected to have 20,000 attendees. However, last year’s celebration saw police intervention due to riot-like conditions and injuries among attendees.
The court’s concern stems from the ongoing rehabilitation in the area. “Disaster management authority is supposed to prevent disasters also. Six months after the disaster, you are having parties there?” Justice Nambiar questioned. The court also sought clarification on the event’s approval process, crowd control, and traffic management.
The complaint also raised concerns about illegal constructions in the landslide-prone Chulika Estate, where the festival is set to be held. The court has instructed the state to provide full details on the event and posted further hearings for 19 December 2024.
Additionally, the court addressed the state’s request for flexibility in using the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The Advocate General reported that most of the SDRF funds have already been committed. The court has directed the Additional Solicitor General to ensure the Central Government responds by 10 January 2025 and will hear the case again in January.
(With inputs from Bar and Bench)
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