North Goa Authorities Implement Stringent Safety Measures for Shirgao Devi Lairai Jatra Following Last Year's Tragedy
In the wake of last year's devastating stampede that claimed six lives, North Goa collector Ankit Yadav convened a crucial high-level coordination meeting on Saturday to thoroughly review and significantly enhance safety arrangements for the upcoming Devi Lairai jatra in Shirgao, scheduled for April 21.
Comprehensive Safety Framework and Infrastructure Overhaul
The meeting, attended by key officials including North Goa SP Harish Madkaikar, additional collector Pravin Parab, and representatives from fire and emergency services, health, PWD, electricity, panchayats, and the temple managing committee, resulted in a multi-pronged action plan. Officials emphasized that the discussions were specifically focused on learning from last year's tragedy and addressing site-specific risk factors, particularly concerning crowd congestion on approach roads.
A series of decisive measures were approved to prevent any recurrence of the unfortunate incident. These include:
- Implementation of a strict one-way movement system for devotees to regulate flow.
- Removal of all encroachments and unauthorized stalls from main corridors to ensure clear passage.
- Installation of an extensive network of CCTV cameras for round-the-clock surveillance.
- Establishment of a joint command and control room for real-time supervision and coordination.
- Regulation of entry through staggered time slots, supported by public address systems for announcements.
- Strengthened police deployment at all critical and vulnerable points.
- Creation of designated holding areas to manage crowd overflow effectively.
Enhanced Emergency Preparedness and Community Guidelines
Emergency response capabilities are being bolstered with requisite medical aid posts, clearly marked ambulance corridors, and round-the-clock fire safety arrangements. The Public Works Department (PWD), electricity department, and local panchayats have been directed to complete essential infrastructure work well in advance. This includes road repairs, comprehensive lighting arrangements, thorough electrical safety inspections, and the removal of any unauthorized structures.
Traffic and parking management plans are being finalized in close coordination with local administrative bodies. Collector Ankit Yadav issued a stern warning, stating that strict adherence to the approved safety and crowd management plan is mandatory, and failure to implement these measures would invite stringent administrative action.
Temple Committee Collaboration and Specific Directives
Temple committee president Dinanath Gaonkar provided detailed insights into the collaborative decisions made. He confirmed that the collector took into consideration the views of temple committee members, sarpanchs of Shirgao, Poira, Assonora, and Mayem, as well as prominent local residents before finalizing the plan.
Specific directives for devotees and vendors have been established:
- The Dhond community is advised to attend the jatra alone. If family members wish to accompany them for pre-jatra rituals like 'ooti', they should do so prior to the main event day.
- Vendors will not be permitted to erect stalls outside the designated temple property. A 10-meter area on either side adjacent to the homkhand venue will be marked and kept clear to maintain proper access for devotees.
- Electrical connections will not be provided to any stalls without explicit permission from the collector's office.
Gaonkar also mentioned that the process to finalize the exact locations for CCTV camera installation is currently in progress. He expressed confidence that with the full cooperation of the Dhond community and the general public, the jatra can be celebrated smoothly and safely. The temple committee has been tasked with undertaking systematic orientation and training for Dhond devotees and volunteers, emphasizing discipline, queue management, and safety protocols. A comprehensive list of do's and don'ts will be circulated widely to ensure public awareness and compliance.
