No drinking on roads during Carnival: Goa tourism minister

PANAJI: Tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar made it clear on Tuesday that drinking on the streets during the Carnival float parade will not be allowed.
Ajgaonkar was told that people are seen drinking on the road while the float parade is under way, to which he replied that it would not be permitted.
Shalom Sardinha, who has been selected to be King Momo for this Carnival, said that though people should enjoy — eat, drink and be merry being the festival message— during Carnival, they should not start drinking on the streets.
The tourism minister said the government will spend Rs 1.5 crore on Carnival celebrations. This covers prize money and infrastructure for the seven centres which have state-sponsored parades. Besides Panaji, float parades will be held in Margao, Quepem, Mapusa, Vasco, Morjim and Curchorem.
He said that though there is a demand for state-sponsored float parardes in Ponda and Shiroda, the government hasn’t decided on it yet.
“We are promoting Carnival for growth of tourism. Even routes have been changed to allow float parades within the city. This has been done for Margao and Panaji,” Ajgaonkar said.
Panaji, Vasco and Margao will get Rs 27.5 lakh each as prize and infrastructure development funds for the festival. Carnival has been gaining popularity and it is now held at places that did not conduct it in the past.
“We do not want any floats that will not reflect the tradition and culture of Goa,” he said, adding floats advertising any products will not be allowed.