PANAJI: Stating that the defence ministry would convert Goa into a ‘very safe region’ during the forthcoming BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said that however, most of the facilities that would be provided to Goa by his ministry for the two-day international event would be of temporary nature.
“It is the state government, which has to create permanent facilities for Goa for the BRICS Summit to be held in South Goa on October 15 and October 16, later this year,” he observed, adding that the state can ask the Centre for related assistance for the purpose. Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, Parrikar said the ministry of defence could however chip in with some minor infrastructure provision for Goa, say a small construction here and there.
“However, we would be providing best of security to Goa, especially coastal security, that would make the environment safe and sound for the arriving dignitaries as well as their respective delegations,” he noted, adding that the security forces would also be deployed in the state for the purpose.
“Furthermore, we have already decided that air ambulances of the ministry of defence would be parked at the Dabolim airport for any eventuality,” stated Parrikar, who headed a special high-level meeting held on August 21 in Goa to oversee the preparations for the BRICS Summit.
“Furthermore, the Dabolim airport, which is occupied by the Indian Navy would be opened up adequately to receive the aircraft of the arriving guests,” he revealed, stating that landing and parking plans for the same are also being worked out.
“The ministry of defence will be in constant touch with the state government, in view of the ongoing preparations for the BRICS Summit,” the Defence Minister added, maintaining that any additional assistance from his ministry for the upcoming international event, as desired by the state government, would be made available.