BICHOLIM
A number of safety measures and protocols were discussed and decided at a high-level coordination meeting on Saturday to review and strengthen arrangements for the annual Shri Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao scheduled on April 21.
The meeting, chaired by North Goa District Magistrate Ankit Yadav, IAS, focused on learning from the massive stampede at the zatra on May 3, 2025, which left six people dead and over 80 others injured, and on addressing site-specific risk factors, particularly crowd congestion on the approach roads.
The officials also conducted on-site inspections in Shrigao village to assess ground-level arrangements and discuss potential challenges.
During the review meet, detailed discussions were held on crowd management, safety measures, infrastructure preparedness, traffic regulation, health services, emergency response mechanisms, sanitation and inter-departmental coordination.
The meeting was attended by North Goa Superintendent of Police Harish Madkaikar, Additional Collector Pravin Parab, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shubham Naik, DySP Shridevi B. V., IPS, along with senior officers from the Police, District Administration, Health, Fire, PWD, Electricity Department, Panchayats, Temple Managing Committee, and other departments concerned.
Key decisions taken include implementation of a one-way movement system, removal of encroachments and stalls from main corridors, installation of extensive CCTV surveillance, and establishment of a joint command and control room for real-time supervision.
It was decided to regulate entry through staggered time slots supported by public address systems, strengthen police deployment at critical points, and create designated holding areas. Requisite medical aid posts, clear ambulance corridors, and round-the-clock fire safety arrangements will be ensured.
The temple committee has been instructed to undertake systematic orientation and training of Dhond devotees and volunteers, emphasizing discipline, queue management, and safety protocols. A comprehensive Do’s and Don’ts will be circulated for public awareness.
The PWD, electricity department, and panchayats were directed to complete road repairs, lighting arrangements, electrical safety inspections, and removal of unauthorised structures well in advance. Traffic and parking management plans are being finalized in coordination with local bodies.
The District Magistrate emphasised that strict adherence to the approved safety and crowd management plan is mandatory and warned that failure to implement the measures will invite stringent administrative action.
The District Administration appealed to all devotees and stakeholders to cooperate fully in ensuring a safe, orderly, and peaceful conduct of the Shri Devi Lairai Zatra 2026.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, District Collector Ankit Yadav said all necessary precautionary measures are being planned well in advance of the festival.
“Responsibilities have been assigned to different officers, and continuous review meetings are being conducted to avoid any inconvenience or untoward incidents. A high-level meeting was held earlier on January 7, and on Saturday, officials conducted on-site inspections in Shrigao village to assess ground-level arrangements and discuss potential challenges,” said Yadav.
Special attention was given to the Deva Tali area and the Homkund area, where the ritual fire ceremony is conducted. It was observed that the road above the Homkund is narrow, which had contributed to congestion and the previous incident.
Zatra site road to be widened
Shri Devi Lairai Devasthan Committee President Dinanath Gaonkar has stated that the narrow road leading to the Zatra site will be widened, while surrounding walls will be modified at the Homkund area.
Speaking to reporters after the review meeting, Gaonkar said setting up of shops in the Homkund area will be strictly prohibited on the day of the Zatra.
“However, a proposal is under consideration to allow shops to be set up from the second day of the festival,” said Gaonkar.
He said the meeting also discussed measures to regulate the massive turnout of devotees (Dhonds) on the main day of the Zatra.
“Devotees will be advised not to bring family members unnecessarily, to avoid overcrowding and ensure safety. Detailed planning was done regarding crowd management during Homkund rituals and other festival activities, deployment of police personnel, emergency services, and dissemination of safety instructions to local residents and devotees,” he added.
