The menace of stray cattle and dogs loitering around the State's highways as well as pot-holed roads, are just some of the concerns which Chief Minister laxmikant Parsekar wants to deal with soon, so that when foreign dignitaries land in Goa for the BRICS 2016 meet, they are ensured a smooth ride.
Parsekar also said that BRICS offered the State of Goa, which is already a leading nightlight and beach tourism destination in South Asia, a handy opportunity to project itself to some of the most populous and developing countries as a great tourism destination.
"We have asked the panchayat department to clear illegal and unauthorised hoardings. They will also be in charge of learning garbage and debris from the State's roads. They must also ensure that stray cattle and dogs are are cleared from the roads during the event," Parsekar told reporters on Tuesday, soon after he reviewed preparations for the BRICS event at a multi-agency meeting at the State Secretariat.
The Goa chief minister said that a special department had formed under the chairmanship of the State chief secretary to oversee the creation of logistics and facilitating arrangements for the two-day BRICS event which is scheduled to be held in mid-October.
Parsekar also said that three resorts in South Goa had been identified to host the BRICS event which will see dignitaries and heads of state of emerging economies namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Parsekar also said that five top hospitals had also been identified and treatment facilities there be kept on a 24-hour standby in case of any medical emergency during the duration of the event. All the venues will be provided with alternative power back up, facilitated by the state power department.
"Medical services, including operation theatres, at five hospitals will be on standby for 24 hours during the event... All will also have have ambulances on standby. An air ambulance will be requisitioned from the Defence Ministry," the chief minister said.
"Public Works Department has been asked to look after the widening of the roads, filling up potholes and cleanliness," Parsekar said.
Parsekar also said that the BRICS meet was a "challenge for the state, but challenge which needs to be converted into opportunity".
Citing an opportunity Parsekar also said that if Goa was able to leverage even a fraction of the 10 crore outbound tourists from China annually, the state's tourism potential would blossom further.
"The Chinese head will come to Goa and see what the state is all about. Following the lead, even if a very small fraction of Chinese tourists visit Goa, then we can save the crores of money spent on roadshows abroad. We can leverage this opportunity," Parsekar said.