Now, looking at the smooth functioning and the excellent facilities in place at the Exposition, former chief minister and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar expressed immense satisfaction while thanking and congratulating all those involved in the process.
Speaking to the media during his visit to Old Goa, on Sunday, Parrikar further congratulated all the authorities involved from the GSIDC, PWD, police, traffic and other departments for executing the plan, due to which everything has been running smoothly.
“I am given to understand that over 20-22 lakh people visited Old Goa during the first 13 days of the Exposition and around 13 lakh venerated the relics of Saint Francis Xavier,” Parrikar said while stating that even during last Sunday, when over 3 lakh people venerated the relics, there was no chaos. “This shows that the execution and the management has been excellent,” he added.
When questioned whether the divergence of security personnel, to the twin events of IFFI and Exposition, has led to an increase in crimes in other parts of the State, Parrikar replied in the negative.
“There have been only a couple of incidents which occurred during this period,” Parrikar said while stating that it doesn’t indicated rise in crime due to diversion of security for the twin events.
“I understand that there is shortage of personnel in some police stations,” he said but added that even IRB trainees and Maharashtra reserve police have been summoned to make up for the lack of manpower.
Later, Parrikar visited the Se Cathedral and venerated the relics of Saint Francis Xavier before heading for the Dabolim Airport to head for Delhi.
