Goa to usher in film festival SANJAY BANERJEE TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2003 09:34:14 PM ]
PANAJI: Heritage and modernity will jostle side by side as the Goa government draws up elaborate plans to develop the land of sun, sand and beaches for hosting the International Film Festival of India.
The historic capital of Goa , Panaji, the permanent venue for the festival is set to get a facelift with proposals of speed boats ferrying the prima donnas from the star hotels located on the verdant Fort Aguada , across the Mandovi river and from the Dabolim airport (south Goa ). This will ease the traffic congestion feared on the narrow roads of the old city.
A transport system that empties the crowds outside the capital with a limited number of cars for the notables parked on the sides of the boulevard at the Kala academy, the main centre for the festival, would ensure pleasure-filled evening promising a walk on the promenade.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said the Miramar beach, close to the venue, would be upgraded while the Old Goa medical complex, a heritage building with the state government, would be restored and properly lighted up.
The building, in close proximity to the Kala academy, could also serve as a film baazar while being the centre for the office for the festival. The high-level infrastructure committee with its three sub committees are expected to submit the various reports next Month.
The construction of the multiplex has to start by January, said Parrikar as he intends to complete the work by September. The festival is scheduled for December 2004 or early 2005.
Described as the Goa film festival, the officialdom is working overtime to streamline the infrastructure, including the upgradation of the sewage system with the technology of a foreign firm.
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