Incomplete Miramar-Dona Paula road and non-illumination of the stretch has forced the Carnival Organising Committee to go back on its important decision of change in route.
The committee, headed by chairperson Deepak Desai, decided that the float parade begin from the traditional Divja Circle and end at Kala Academy. The failure of Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) to complete the four-year long project has compelled the committee to take this decision.
“The road is still incomplete, pavements are not proper and there is no illumination. Electricity poles at certain points are uprooted and lying idle. Considering this situation, the committee decided to drop the idea of holding the float parade here. We have taken unanimous decision to go back to the old route,” Desai told Herald emerging from meeting.
It is learnt that Tourism Department and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation had approached the GSIDC about two months ago urging to complete the pending work.
In its previous meeting, the Carnival committee had resolved to go ahead with the new route in a bid to ease the traffic congestion in the capital city.
Meanwhile, the screening committee is scheduled to meet on February 23 to finalise the floats participating in the annual event. The festival, this year will emphasise on eco friendly floats, getting rid of junk vehicles and cracking down on indecency while also maintaining the traditional and cultural essence of the festivity. Desai revealed that every vehicle participating in the festival should carry Carnival message, without which it will not be allowed to take part.
The Carnival is uniquely Goan and in not celebrated anywhere else in India. The Carnival precedes the Lent Season which begins from Ash Wednesday (March 1, 2017). This year the Carnival will be held from Feb 25 to Feb 28.
Meanwhile, as the selection of King Momo is underway, the committee has suggested that a musical band of around 20-25 persons should walk ahead of the main float. Last year Shalom Sardinha was chosen to be the King Momo.
