Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SHP)
Panaji, Feb 9: The carnival float parade 2020 will abstain from the use of single-use plastics as per the directions of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP). Instead, the CCP has recommended the use of eco-friendly, recyclable and sustainable materials to reduce waste.
“We will aim for the float to be plastic-free. The use of single-use plastic will be curtailed severely,” said CCP commissioner Sanjit Rodrigues.
File Photo
To ensure that tourists and locals visiting the parade do not litter the place with plastic bottles, CCP plans to install water stations, where water will be served to attendees in disposable cups. This year, the flagship Panaji event has shifted back from the more-recent Miramar to Dona Paula route to the traditional Patto to Adil Shah palace to Kala Academy route. The 2020 Goa carnival will be underway from February 22 to 25.
“The police will draw up arrangements, with traffic diversion plans. We have asked for permission from the North Goa collectorate. We have also asked for volunteers to manage the crowd,” Rodrigues said. "Efforts are also being made to ensure that the festival floats feature qualitative tableau, this year. Entry forms will cost Rs 1,000, while spot-entries will be levied a fee of Rs 5,000. Moreover, consolation prizes have been cancelled for categories which evoke poor response each year," he added.
Apart from the float parade, CCP will also organise their popular music and food fest, 'Samba Square', at the Jardim Garcia de Orta. The Goa carnival of 2020 will host activities for children as well as senior citizens, besides the usual entertainment.
The commissioner also said that local artists will be given exposure in the entertainment section, wherein musicians and local performers will get a platform to showcase their talent. As a safety precaution, emergency and fire services personnel will be posted at the venue.