PANAJI, Jan 11 (IANS): Some devotees have requested the Naval and other authorities to allow the celebration of the traditional feast of Our Lady of Springs at  Anjediva island off Karwar coast on February 2, 2010 as agreed in a government order.

Social activist Godfrey Gonsalves said that all precautions may be taken by Indian Navy, which has its Sea Bird project in the area, to screen devotees for security requirements. Pointing out that the commodore-in-charge of the Karwar naval base had organised the Navy week in the area, which included the island, now connected by a break water, Gonsalves said all participants should be asked to produce photo identity cards.

The island is a part of Canacona taluka and till a few years back the feast was celebrated at the island and devotees from Goa, Karwar and other places would attend it, making the half hour crossing by boat.

The central government had agreed to allow celebration of the feast after Goa government handed over the island to the Navy for setting up the Sea Bird defence project.