Team Herald
OLD GOA: Ahead of the decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, set to begin on November 21, officials conducted a review of the arrangements. The 45-day event will wrap up on January 5. North Goa District Collector Sneha Gitte, North Goa Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshat Kaushal, and Public Works Department (PWD) Chief Engineer Nitin Nevrekar were among those overseeing the preparations.
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Speaking to O Heraldo, District Collector Gitte stated, “All the arrangements are in place. Special buses from major cities like Margao, Ponda, and Panjim will drop pilgrims at designated parking areas. Shuttle services will then transport them to the veneration queue.” She also highlighted intensive garbage management measures, ferry services for pilgrims from Divar Island and Panjim, and the forthcoming ferry schedule to be published by the Captain of Ports. “Additionally, 72 mobile toilets have been installed alongside permanent ones,” she added.
PWD Chief Engineer Nitin Nevrekar reported that infrastructure work was completed in record time. “We’ve handed over facilities, including an administrative building, secretariat, first aid room, and parking for around 200 VIP vehicles, to the church. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwDs) can use buggies stationed here,” he said. He added that Basilica renovations, parking areas, and water supply arrangements are complete.
SP Akshat Kaushal outlined the elaborate security arrangements. “We expect a large turnout during the exposition. Security will be managed on three fronts: inside the venue by the security unit, traffic by the Traffic Police, and surrounding areas by the District Police.” Around 1,000 police personnel will be deployed in three shifts, supervised by Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and DySPs. Watch towers, sand bunkers, and 400 CCTV cameras have been installed, with a control room to monitor the footage.
Quick Reaction Teams, including Anti-Terror Squads (ATS), and drones will provide additional surveillance. Kaushal affirmed that Goa Police are well-prepared to manage the exposition alongside other major events like novenas and IFFI, ensuring law and order is maintained.
