THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Preparations for the annual Shri Damodar Saptah festival gathered momentum on Thursday as Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar chaired a high-level review meeting with officials from various government departments and members of the Vasco Shri Damodar Saptah Committee. The meeting was held to ensure seamless arrangements for the week-long religious festival, which will commence on August 18 and is expected to attract thousands of devotees from Goa and neighbouring states.
During the meeting, Salkar reviewed the preparedness of all departments and directed officials to work in close coordination to ensure the festival is conducted in a safe, secure and well-organised manner.
He stressed that every department should remain alert and responsive throughout the celebrations so that devotees can participate without inconvenience.
Detailed discussions were held on crowd management, traffic regulation, police deployment, fire and emergency services, medical assistance, uninterrupted electricity and water supply, sanitation and waste management.
Special emphasis was laid on maintaining cleanliness in and around the temple premises and ensuring a plastic-free Saptah through effective awareness and enforcement measures.
The meeting also reviewed parking arrangements to prevent congestion, installation of CCTV cameras for enhanced security, emergency response mechanisms, food safety inspections of temporary stalls and uninterrupted civic services during the festival period.
Officials were instructed to complete all pending works well in advance and ensure adequate manpower is deployed at strategic locations.
Members of the Shri Damodar Saptah Committee also shared their suggestions and requirements for the smooth conduct of the religious and cultural programmes. Salkar assured the committee of full cooperation from the government and all departments concerned.
