TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Over 100 close circuit television (CCTVs) cameras, 10-odd observation towers and close to 1,300 Goa police and traffic personnel will maintain a close vigil during the decennial exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa.
The high-powered committee on law and order has tentatively planned watertight security as the exposition expects around 50 lakh footfalls from different parts of the world from November 22, 2014 to January 4, 2015.
“We have requisitioned (the government) to install at least 130 permanent and temporary CCTVs at the Basilica (of Bom Jesus), parking zones and other locations in and around the venue,” Superintendent of Police and commissioner of the committee Bosco George told Herald.
The surveillance will be stricter in the area where the relics will be open for general public for around 11 hours daily. The SP said there would be separate entry points for people going for masses and those visiting the relics.
The committee has also proposed at least 25 door frame metal detectors, about 800 police personnel including the new recruits and 400-odd traffic personnel besides other security requirements. Since the influx of pilgrims and tourists will be heavy during this period, the State is strongly considering requisitioning central para military forces as well.
“The personnel (as well as officers) will work in three major shifts. There will be regular bandobast and special bandobast during the opening and closing dates, holidays and weekends when the pilgrims and visitors are expected in large numbers. Patrolling within the Church premises will be carried out daily,” George said adding NSS-NCC cadets and traffic wardens could be roped-in for assistance. This will be in addition to more than 300 Church volunteers on the job.
With the exposition coinciding with the 10-day long International Film Festival of India, the government has decided that the men-in-khaki posted at ancillary branches such as Indian Reserve Battalion, Goa Reserve Police, CID and Special Branch are utilized for exposition. “We won’t touch the police stations since their deployment would be required for IFFI…” he added.
Besides 10 portable watch towers, George said, they will also set up 10-odd temporary police outposts, camp offices of various departments like electricity, water, disaster management teams, etc and a missing persons booth. Pilgrims and tourist friendly signanges for the event will soon be installed at Old Goa.
On the infrastructure front, the government has proposed spending Rs 50 crore for upgradation and setting up facilities such as washrooms. Joint Secretary Michael Fernandes, who heads the Coordination Cell, when contacted, confirmed the amount will be spent on the overall infrastructure. “The amount will cover development of all infrastructural facilities,” he said.
It is learnt that hot mixing of roads, improving footpaths, upgrading existing toilet facilities and setting up more toilets are some of the works listed down by the committee.
To ensure cleanliness during the event, the committee has also proposed placing at least 240 bins and setting up ‘expo zone waste collection centres.’ The GSIDC – also on the committee – will outsource the services and ensure complete ban on the use of plastic carry bags.
Traffic control and arrangements
The straight road leading towards Mahatma Gandhi circle at Old Goa will be shut during the 45 days of the exposition to avoid vehicular congestion even as the high powered task force committee chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has marked seven parking bays including one for the differently-abled around Old Goa. HPC for law and order headed by superintendent of police Bosco George disclosed that all vehicles will be stopped near handicrafts emporium on the junction while the Ponda bound vehicles will be asked to take the by-pass road. Moreover, the committee is expected to approach the Tourism department requesting to halt all tourist vehicles in the capital instead of parking at Old Goa. “We will suggest that the tourists can be stopped near Panjim jetty from where they can board the ferry to reach Old Goa. This travel will encourage sightseeing among the visitors,” George disclosed speaking with Herald. Similarly, the Divar residents will be requested to board the first ferry at Sao Pedro to avoid inconvenience.
