OLD GOA
With the inaugural of the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier to be held tomorrow, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that all preparations for the 45-day spiritual event are nearly complete.
Speaking to reporters in Old Goa on Tuesday, CM Sawant said, "In the last three months the Exposition Committee has been working tirelessly on the ground and today, 98 per cent of the works have been completed."
Sawant highlighted the division of preparations into ten key areas, including accommodation, housekeeping, toilet maintenance, semi-permanent toilets, mobile toilets, parking facilities, Exposition office, Bom Jesus Complex, See Cathedral complex and signages.
"This year, we have created a unique pilgrim village, which was inaugurated today. Additionally, we have set up a special administrative office and secretariat to manage the event," said Sawant while emphasising on the extensive work done in collaboration with the Church to ensure the success of this international event.
Apart from that, Sawant informed that 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 the main cities Panaji, Ponda, Mapusa and Margao. A timetable for the transport services will be announced soon, and the public should utilise these services to avoid the congestion caused by private vehicles," Sawant added and informed that the government is planning to introduce a ferry service from Panaji to Old Goa.
Sawant also mentioned the installation of improved signages for parking areas and emphasised on the safety measures in place.
"Safety and security is our top priority, and IGP Omvir Singh is overseeing traffic and security management. A total of 600 traffic personnel and 700 police officers, including SPs, DySPs, and PIs, have been deployed for round-the-clock security at the Exposition. Strict CCTV monitoring will be in place, and suspicious individuals will be detained," he added.
"For the 45 days, we are going to ensure that an excellent international event is organised with the thrust on clean and green, as well as safety and security," Sawant said.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira, Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai, CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate, Secretary Revenue and Exposition Commissioner Sandip Jacques, IAS, North Goa Collector Dr Sneha Gitte IAS, Fr Henry Falcao, Fr Lawrence Fernandes, Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar and senior government officials were present for the meeting.
