PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Wednesday threatened to boycott the annual Carnival event in the city scheduled on February 13, if North Collector refrains from granting permission to hold parade along its traditional route—Santa Monica jetty to Kala Academy.
During a meeting called by the North Goa Collector, IAS Ajit Roy on Wednesday said, it was resolved to hold the Carnival float parade via a Miramar-Dona Paula road, where it was held for three years, before it was shifted back to traditional route in 2020.
Raising strong objections to the decision, City Mayor and chairman of Panaji Carnival Committee Uday Madkaikar submitted representation to the Collector demanding that the traditional route be maintained.
“I was surprised with decision of the Collector. Last year, following intervention from MLA Atanasio Monserrate, the parade was shifted back to the traditional route. We had demanded that the same be continued,” he said.
Madkaikar said he has made a representation to the Collector demanding change of route. “Even the MLA wants the traditional route to be maintained,” he said.
“If Collector fails to do so, CCP will not participate in the Carnival. We will boycott it,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, the citizens have appealed government to cancel the Carnival parade fearing possible risk of COVID-19 spread.
Nilesh Gomes and Socorro Menezes, on behalf of citizens of Goa, in their representation have said that the parade will attract large number of people including tourists. “The participation of people from COVID-19 affected States shall lead to spread of the virus in Goa,” they said.
They pointed out that there is indefinite postponement of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
