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IFFI to be focal point for development in Goa

By Anil Sastry

PANAJI, FEB. 1. The Goa Government has announced long- and short-term programmes for the development of the State taking into account that it has been selected as permanent venue for the International Film Festival in India (IFFI).

Addressing the third meeting of the Core Committee on Goa IFFI here on Saturday, the Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, said the IFFI would be the focal point for development. The meeting reviewed the preparations for the next film festival, an official press release said.

The programmes would aim at the further development of the city and its outskirts and extended to Mapusa, Old Goa and Bambolim. And the measures initiated in Margao would be extended to the neighbouring areas up to Ponda, Mr. Parrikar said.

Explaining the short-term plan, he said that priority would be given to create the infrastructure for holding the festival, including upgrading the auditorium at the Kala Academy, cinema theatres and construction of multiplexes at the old GMC complex.

The long-term plan would include laying of four-lane and three-lane roads on the Miramar-Dona Paula stretch, construction of underground parking facilities, a flyover/road over bridge on NH 17 near the circle close to Patrakar Colony in Porvorim, a track for walking and cycling and a cantilever bridge from the side of the building of the Captain of Ports here.

Catamaran boats would soon be introduced to ferry tourists and locals to the city from Aguada, Cavelossim-Mobor and also from Patto, Panaji, near the bridge. The entry and exit point would be made near Kala Academy. In this context, he said that dredging of the riverfront would be taken up.

Those who attended the meeting included the IT Minister, Francis D'Sousa, the Town and Country Planning Minister, Atanasio Monserrate, the Transport Minister, Pandurang Madkaikar, the Opposition leader, Pratapsingh Rane., and the Chief Secretary, D.S. Negi.

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