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With the 35th International Film Festival of India in GOA slated for 29th November,2004 to 9th December, 2004 an enthusiatic, confident & victorious looking CM Mr Manohar Parrikar gave DD viewers an insight into the intial and culminating efforts that when it to ready India's tiniest 25th State for this International event which will be the cynosure of all eyes in the days to come --- in a 30 minutes interview in Konkani conducted by Mr Soiru Varde and beamed live today 26th Nov, 2004 at 1915 hrs IST. Some of the uestions and answers are abridged herewith: Q-On the selection of Panaji as the venue -- was it because Panaji was his Constituency? A-No it was the Central Govt Committee organising the Film Festival that opted for Panaji from among the other sites viz; Aguada Plateau, Cansaulim, Dona Paula owing to the scenic surroundings and proximity of available infrastructure that went into the selection of Panaji as the venue; Q-On the short time available for preparation the IFFI A-Initially there was uncertainity about the dates it was expected to be earlier Aug/Sept and after dilly dallying it was finally fixed for the 29 Nov to 9th December 2004 Q-On the final countdown for IFFI A-The infrastructure is in place 1) a renovated 954 seater Kala Academy Complex the main venue also completed in record three months; 2) the 1272 seater INOX 4 movie-theatres multiplex was readied in 182 days which is a record of sorts for INOX themselves 3) the site for the Film Bazaar at around Kala Academy "Dharya Sangam" (though that did not recieve much attention owing to paucity of time and hence had to be left to Confederation of Indian Industry who are taking care of that aspect)Here there are about 9 home theatres for vieiwing of films by prospective clients. These have been entrusted to the Central Government Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Directorate of Films Festival. The State - Entertainment Society of Goa is only collaborating with the Ministry to conduct the festival. Q On other connected infrastructure A It was not a part of the IFFI -- whether it is the road from Pato to Dempo House or the widening of the area in front of the Adil Shah Palace these were intended to solve the density of population nearly 1 to 1.5 lacs that came to Panaji for one reason or the other -- as by 20 hrs Panaji looks empty, therefore it is the people from outside Panaji who feel the new look Q On the question of conceptualising the "new look" Panaji of International standards A Mr Parrikar gave full credit to HOK International who have conceptualised and detailed every aspect. It must also be said to the credit of our own Goan architects and named Mr Manguesh Prabhugaonkar and Mr S N Bhobe as some (he refused to go into the long list of names) who harmonised their know-how and worked with speed in executing the projects as laid down by HOK International Q On the question of criticism A Yes he was receptive to constructive criticism - but most of the criticism was mainly a) political b) others were with an intention to ensure his downfall c) others to weaken his clout d) others who created grounds to contest elections e) others who felt that their "interests" were affected f) others who criticised due to "half baked" knowledge To illustrate he mentioned a)how "one individual" who was an activist (and refused to name him) turned bitter critic, despite criticism in public, sent him a congratulatory letter and pleaded that roads in his ward too be given a similar treatment (hot mix carpet) b)the local opposition in the Assembly did all in its power to put a stop to IFFI but he expressed WHOLESOME SINCERE PRAISE and THANKS for the astuteness and firmness of Dr Jaipal Reddy Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting who firmly put his foot down -- stating "that Government of India committments could not be changed merely with change in Governments at the Centre or State as this would send wrong feelers to others --and an unpleasant atmosphere of uncertainity c) while widening the road infront of the Adil Shah Palace there was misplaced opposition by "environmentalist" not knowing that the technique involved of "filling was intended to remove thereafter nearly 2000 to 3000 tonnes of debris that existed" Mr Parrikar stated that while there could be political opposition at the time of elections once elected irrespective of the Party in power the Centre State relations should continue. Therefore what the NDA Government proposed could not be disposed off by the United Progressive Alliance govt at the Centre as a rule; Q As regards the benefits of IFFI and what is IFFI all about? A He said it was similar to IMTEX (industrial) in Hannover and IFFI (films) in Cannes both these are commercial ventures intended to boost the production creation distribution and marketing of industrial items innovations similarly this is a commercial venture for a film market. Benefits to Goa --now that it is a permanent destination (as of now) the important wing is the Film Bazaar where instead of India going to foreign markets to market their films or buy others now International film makers etc can come to Goa and mix business with pleasure because even otherwise Goa is a prime international tourist destination. The fear however is that with the Exposition and IFFI there may be a huge magnitude of tourist influx and that could create impact on the local infrastructure as well -- like the Candolim Calangute Baga belt There is a need therefore to distribute and spread the tourism activity all year round and move away from the cities as well There has been considerable increase in traffic movement two wheelers some households have three to five vehicles and that becomes a problem -- for parking there are several unlicenced riders too and all this will be checked. Q whether there are plans for similar development in other towns and cities A Yes he has already committed to develop other areas as well. Margao has almost started the work in right earnest Vasco-da-Gama is following and he reiterated that he would ensure finances, technical support are provided but he stressed the need to ensure proper maintainance of the infrastructure once the same is in place -- yes that would be the responsibility of the Councillors Panchayats and MLAs . He cited the case of the Joggers Park at Altinho Panaji which even after 3 years in excellent condition. Q On how exactly will the Goans be indulging themselves in the IFFI during these 9- 10 days -- A he agreed that Goa lacks a film culture but nevertheless he has ensured that a) in the first place atleast 700 Goans would get delegate status relaxing the ground rules of the DFF b) there will be tickets for viewing some of the nearly 250 international films c) besides there will be cultural programmes along the venue to reflect the Goan ethos d) major screens will be put up at Miramar Baina and perhaps Colva and some movies will be screened free of charge Q Finally how did he take up the challenge? A He admitted that it was his understanding of the engineering aspects that made things easier he dwelt on the slopiness of the Goan architects and engineers but gave credit to some of them who toiled hard, the government officers the workers working day and night in odd circumstances to meet the deadlines. He himself set regular meetings at 2100 hrs to get feed back updates and ensure schedules are met . He acknowledged that he spent sleepless nights sometimes moving around even at 0230 hrs to have first hand information of the jobs undertaken Q Finally on his simple outlook -- with reference to his clothes A Yes he felt comfortable in casuals --buying and changing shirts at Diwali and he loathed the concept of suited and booted as according to him that did not suit tropical climate as in India it was OK for other western countries-- However he finally believed it is the comfort that decides the wear. This writer found a number of viewers watching the live telecast on the streets and when some were posed a few questions these were their views a) on the preparedness for the IFFI event; what is the use of all the white paint all around on roads and yellow and black on road dividers -- if the Government wants they spend but we pay the taxes and pay the price no doubt there are some good and bad points; b) on the speed at with the jobs have been executed Yes they admitted some of the workmanship deserves credit but the real test of the pudding will be in the eating and let us wait for the monsoons ---- and see if the infrastructure is in place. To make their point they cited the duplication job on the pavement in Margao who pays for all this costs? And who said that Goans cannot match these time schedules was not Fatorda stadium built in six months and why cant Goans --- ask the Government to remove the lenghty procedures and corruption in the Town & Country Planning Dept, the Planning Development Authorities with the Building bye laws adopted by corrupt Municipalities and Village Panchayats -- Goans will achieve much more they stated. If the Government can execute jobs "without applying for necessary licences in advance" why should the citizens be burdened and made to wait for months and years and run from pillar to post bribing some unlettered elected representatives or mere diploma engineers (who are essentialy road contractor material knowledgewise) This writer has seen the last minutes preparation all along the NH 17 and 17A the roads are clearly marked light poles painted, destination sign boards, mile stones all painted, huge IFFI hoardings erected at Central points along the highway the KTC bus stop cleared of debris the huge screens being located at beach sites, the debris at Baina (demolished huts of June 2004) being cleared) Posters at all prominent places and the euphoria is building up for the mega event which will catapult Goa on the International horizon. An add to it the pleasant full moon will definitely be of some concern to Cannes (pronounced as Khans)in France which has graduated to its present position after years of staging the Festival unlike Panaji Goa GODFREY J I GONSALVES Borda Margao Goa [EMAIL PROTECTED] but was possible due to his regular supervision sometimes upto 0230 hrs IST and ofcourse the competence of Government officials the workers and notably some architects viz; Mr S Bhobe Mr Manguesh Prabhugaonkar and others (he chose not to quote names) The roads will be given a hot mix carpet and the debris around cleared before 29th ________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your life partner online Go to: http://yahoo.shaadi.com/india-matrimony