Old Goa VP to install CCTVs at Basilica
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
OLD GOA, OCT 13
The Old Goa panchayat has decided to provide Closed Circuit TVs (CCTVs) to the Bom Jesus Basilica, as part of security measures in and around the Basilica during the forthcoming feast of St Francis Xavier.
Disclosing this to Herald, Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar said: “St Francis Xavier Feast is recognized all over the world and it is our feast of the people in the State.”
“I spoke to the Old Goa panchayat and requested them to provide CCTVs in and around the Basilica during the Feast,” he said.
It may be noted that the State government had mooted a proposal last year to install CCTVs in and around the Basilica, but did not implement the idea.
As a result, church authorities themselves managed to install a few CCTVs inside the Basilica.
When asked who would take charge of the CCTVs after the feast, Madkaikar said: “The Old Goa Panchayat will take care of the CCTVs. Once the feast is over, the CCTVs will be brought back to the panchayat, so that the panchayat can take care of the equipment. These CCTVs can be used annually during the feast of St Francis Xavier.”
However, the cost of the CCTVs is yet to be ascertained as Madkaikar was unsure of how many CCTVs would be installed in and around the Basilica.
“The CCTVs could cost about Rs 2-3 lakh, but I will ensure that a certain number of CCTVs are installed in and around the Basilica during the novena and feast of St Francis Xavier.”
