Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Preparations for the annual Shri Damodar Saptah festival gathered pace on Thursday as Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar chaired a review meeting with officials from various government departments and members of the Shri Damodar Saptah Committee to finalise arrangements for the week-long celebrations beginning on August 18.
The meeting focused on ensuring smooth coordination among departments as the festival is expected to attract thousands of devotees from across Goa and neighbouring states.
Salkar directed officials to complete all pending works well in advance and ensure seamless arrangements for 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 festival through awareness and enforcement measures.
The review also covered parking facilities, installation of CCTV cameras, emergency response mechanisms, food safety inspections of temporary stalls and the uninterrupted delivery of civic services during the festival.
Members of the Shri Damodar Saptah Committee shared their requirements for the smooth conduct of the religious and cultural programmes, with Salkar assuring them of full support from the government and all concerned departments.
The annual Shri Damodar Saptah is among Vasco’s biggest religious festivals, drawing thousands of devotees each year. Authorities expressed confidence that coordinated planning would ensure a safe, well-organised and hassle-free celebration.
