The fact-finding team's report on Shirgao Zatra stampede which was made public on Tuesday has ignited a critical debate on the state’s preparedness for large-scale religious festivals. The report has laid bare the collective failure of various officials to manage crowd safety effectively. While the government’s move to issue show-cause notices to eight officials appears as a step towards accountability, it raises serious questions about the sincerity and efficacy of these actions. More broadly, it forces us to think whether tragedies of this magnitude are necessary to prompt systemic change, or if they expose an endemic complacency.
The Sandeep Jacques-led fact-finding report explicitly blames the district administration, police, temple committee, and local panchayat for lapses in crowd management, infrastructure, and coordination. However, the government’s decision to serve show-cause notices to eight officials, including the then North Goa Collector and the police officers, appears to be a symbolic gesture rather than a decisive punitive action. Despite holding them responsible in the report, the authorities have merely issued notices rather than suspending or removing those found culpable. This leniency indicates an inclination to protect officials or avoid institutional accountability. Such delays in taking firm action undermine public confidence and suggest that political or bureaucratic interests may impede justice. Given the scale of lives lost and the preventable nature of the incident, the government’s reluctance to suspend or take stronger disciplinary action is baffling.
The report highlights that the narrow pathways, inadequate police deployment, and lack of strategic planning created conditions ripe for disaster. The police’s failure to deploy watch-towers or implement crowd control measures further exacerbated the situation. The temple committee’s non-cooperation and unassessed stall setups compounded the chaos. These findings point to a pattern of neglect that has persisted even in previous incidents, notably last year’s stampede-like situations at similar festivals, which the report mentions. Despite these warnings, the response appears reactive rather than proactive.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s assertion that the Shirgao incident serves as an “eye-opener” suggests a recognition of systemic flaws. His promise to implement future preventive measures such as establishing standardized operating procedures, appointing nodal officers, and enforcing crowd management plans reflects a commendable intent. Yet, we ask the same question whether Goa needs a tragedy of this scale to realize the importance of proactive planning. The Shirgao incident suggests that political will and administrative resolve often only surface after tragedy strikes, which is both tragic and unacceptable in a society that values safety and dignity.
Also, nominating the Home Department to examine replies to show-cause notices is another grey area. Police officials involved in the lapses are also responsible, raising questions about independence and fairness in the inquiry. An impartial investigation, perhaps conducted by an independent authority or judicial body, is essential to ensure accountability, especially when police conduct itself is under scrutiny. Relying solely on departmental reviews can compromise objectivity and perpetuate a culture of impunity.
The Shirgao stampede exposes systemic failures that cannot be remedied solely through post-incident reports or symbolic disciplinary measures. Tragedies of this magnitude should serve as catalysts for comprehensive reforms, not as unfortunate anomalies to be addressed after the fact. The government’s current approach, marked by delayed action and partial accountability, risks perpetuating a cycle of apathy. To truly safeguard the lives of people, Goa must institutionalize proactive safety protocols, empower independent investigations, and demonstrate unwavering political will. Only then can the state transform these tragedies into lessons that lead to resilient, well-prepared festivals where safety is non-negotiable.
