MARGAO
Director of Defence Expo, MD Singh, while participating in a discussion at the South Goa Collectorate, Margao said that Goa was selected after scouring other coastal areas in the country. “The coastal area was selected as it is not landlocked, with one side being open,” Singh explained.
He also said the response of participating firms, including many foreign companies, has crossed 875. “If the Expo is cancelled, then the nation will earn a bad name,”
he remarked.
He said the Expo was shifted from Pragati Maidan, New Delhi as the Maidan is up for demolition and an evacuation notice was served.
“We looked at alternative sites and approached the Goa government and then moved the proposal after elections to the former Defence Minister Arun Jaitley. Thereafter, we approached the State government when Defence Minister Parrikar took over,”
Singh added.
Singh said a survey was conducted which pointed out that the volume of business at the expo will be considerably high. He rejected the idea that the Defence Expo will be a permanent venue in Goa, stating that the maintenance cost of a permanent venue kept idle after the expo will be expensive.
He assured that the temple at the site will not be touched and the village will have full access. Explaining the benefits to locals, Singh said the equipment in terms of electronic, consumer durable goods such as TVs, LCDs, etc, will be purchased from the local market. A ‘food court’ will be permitted at the venue where locals will be allowed to put up Goan cuisine delicacies. Hotel industry will have bookings to the brim, Singh added.
