MARGAO
As the commercial capital braces up to host the Carnival float parade on February 14, the Margao Carnival Committee has sent out a stern message to the revellers to either come to watch the floats by wearing face masks or they will be denied entry.
While the committee requested those having Covid symptoms to refrain from coming for the floats, the panel has warned that those who are found without masks will be fined Rs 200.
Chairman of the committee, Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes also unveiled the logo of the Carnival parade centered on the theme “Vaccine gheiat, Jiv samballat”.
Flanked by Municipal engineer Diniz and Accounts and Administration Officer S Elekar, the Chief Officer told the media that all precautionary measures against Covid including wearing of masks, maintaining social distance will have to be strictly followed. “There is no entry for those who do not wear masks. Hence wearing a mask is compulsory,” Agnelo asserted, even as he announced that a separate room will be kept for isolation of persons with Covid symptoms.
“We want to make clear that maintaining a safe distance from each other and wearing masks are compulsory. Those who are found without masks will be fined Rs. 200. No entry at the Carnival parade route sans face masks,” he said.
The Carnival float parade will start at 3.30 pm after it is flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar. The float parade will place on the District Court-Ravindra Bhavan-Borkar Super Stores road, Fatorda.
Due to the pandemic, a total of nine entry points will be set up all along the road, two near the District Court building, one near the SGPDA market, at the walking track, two near Ravindra Bhavan Circle and two at the Fatorda junction.
“The Urban Health Centre, Margao, has been tasked with sanitization before the starting of the float parade at the nine different entry points. The health teams will be stationed at the entry point with sanitizers,” the CO added.
The committee has requested the South Goa District Collector to depute as many as 10 executive magistrates for magisterial arrangement on the day of the parade.
The parade route will be strictly manned by SP Traffic, South Goa and DySP Police South Goa.
While laying stress on THE quality of the floats as well as on the traditional and cultural aspects of the state, Agnelo said the screening committee is expected to play a very crucial task.
“They will prevent any unauthorized float and vehicles from participating in the parade. Maintaining strict discipline and proper decorum is ensured and undertaking will be taken from all the participants that they will be held strictly responsible for violation of any guidelines.”
The floats will be held in four categories, including traditional, clubs/institutions, fun junk, family and clown/joker.
