TEAM HERALD
OLD GOA: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday suggested changes in the arrangements for the forthcoming Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa.
The chief minister made his observations while visiting different areas in the Old Goa heritage site to review preparations for the month-long Exposition, which is expected to draw lakhs of devotees, pilgrims and tourists to the site.
Parrikar was accompanied by the three Exposition Commissioners, Bosco George, Michael D’Souza and Sanjith Rodrigues, besides officials from the PWD, GSIDC, the Church Exposition committee, Old Goa Panchayat officials, Traffic Cell officials and other authorities.
Parrikar suggested that the stalls erected annually by the panchayat should not put on both sides of the road, as it would impede the free flow of traffic movement.
Parrikar, who is also the home minister, also suggested ways and means to ensure that no untoward incident occurs during the Exposition.
Speaking to Herald, Old Goa Sarpanch Prakash Amonkar said that Parrikar had advised the panchayat to cancel about 150 stalls of the 630-odd stalls put up by the panchayat annually during the novena and feast of St Francis Xavier.
“The chief minister visited the area where the stalls would be erected. Following my request, the chief minister suggested alternate sites where the stalls could be accommodated.”
“I also brought to the notice of the chief minister the issue of closure of bars during the novena and feast. He has agreed to review the timings of the bars.”
“We also apprised the chief minister on the issue of demolition of the kiosks by the collector. He was, however, of the opinion that no illegal kiosks would be allowed within the vicinity of the heritage site.”
“The chief minister stated that only licenced moving carts would be allowed to operate and that too, on the condition that they are not stationed permanently at one place.”
When contacted, a church official told Herald that the Parrikar had agreed to declare dry days from November 30 to December 3, while during the rest of the novena days the bars would be open at 4 pm. “During the other days of the exposition, the chief minister suggested that the bars would be open after 12 noon,” said the church official.
