PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has decided not to grant permission to the Department of Art and Culture to host the annual Lokotsav festival pending approvals from Traffic and Fire Departments.
The ten-day long event, beginning from January 10, will be held at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy.
CCP had planned to shift the event to Campal Parade ground, following complaints from the residents of Campal about traffic chaos and mismanagement. However, due to upcoming Republic Day celebration on January 26, it has to be retained at Kala Academy.
Speaking to media persons, Mayor Uday Madkaikar said during the meeting on Monday, the officials of Art and Culture Department admitted that they are yet to get NOC from Traffic and Fire department.
Madkaikar said CCP Commissioner Sanjit Rodrigues has asked the organisers to first get NOCs from both the departments before applying to the corporation. “We will not grant permission for holding the event till it gets clearance from traffic and fire department,” he said.
CCP has asked Art and Culture Department to submit detailed plan of the festival on Tuesday. Mayor said the festival, which was supposed to allow only 200-300 stalls, permitted 750 stalls.
Madkaikar said locals have been facing problems due to heavy traffic for Lokotsav and have threatened to move High Court, if the event is held without proper permissions.
The Corporation has also asked the organisers to arrange for toilet facility as the participants defecate along the shore.
