PANAJI
Barely 48 hours for the Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that 98 per cent of preparations are complete.
"Ninety-eight percent of the preparations are complete," he said while addressing a press conference after a review meeting on the upcoming religious event.
He also emphasized extensive work done in collaboration with the Church to ensure the success of this international event.
Sawant highlighted the division of preparations into 10 key areas including accommodation, housekeeping, toilet maintenance, parking facilities and the construction of a special pilgrim village.
"This year, we have created a unique pilgrim village. It will be free for pilgrims throughout the Exposition for 45 days. We have also set up a special administrative office and secretariat to manage the event," he said.
A light and music show is planned for December 27 in the Se Cathedral campus. The exposition will also feature pollution-free travel with the use of buggies for transportation for senior citizens and PwD.
Transportation has been a key focus, with special buses created for pilgrims travelling from Panaji, Ponda, and Margao. The CM further informed that a timetable for the transport services will be announced soon, and the public has been encouraged to utilize these services to avoid the congestion caused by private vehicles.
The State has also introduced a ferry service from Panaji to Old Goa.
On the law and order front, a total of 600 traffic and 700 police personnel will be deployed from the rank of constables to Superintendents of Police.
"They will be deployed for round-the-clock security at the Exposition. Strict CCTV monitoring will be in place, and suspicious individuals will be detained," the CM added.
Fr. Henry Falcao, convener of the exposition, expressed confidence in the preparations and lauded the collaboration between the Church and government.
“We have worked tirelessly for months. This is a spiritual celebration, The inaugural mass will take place on November 21 at 9:30 am, followed by a solemn procession of the sacred relics from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the Se Cathedral. Participants in the procession have been carefully selected,” he said. He also urged the media to maintain sanctity while providing the necessary coverage.
