ZATRA BUZZ: Amusement rides near Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa.
MAPUSA
The State government’s handling of the sealing and subsequent desealing of amusement rides at the Bodgeshwar Zatra in Mapusa has once again come under scrutiny, raising questions over consistency, transparency and fairness in enforcement of safety norms.
In the aftermath of the fatal Birch fire tragedy, the State administration had launched a strict crackdown on public safety compliance, ordering the sealing of amusement rides at the popular Bodgeshwar Zatra after organisers failed to obtain mandatory safety no-objection certificates (NOCs).
The action was projected as part of a zero-tolerance approach towards lapses in safety at public events.
This year, amusement rides at the Zatra were set up by two different groups – the original organiser, Kedar Shaikh, who enjoys a long-standing association with the temple committee and local politicians, and a second group comprising local youngsters.
Both groups had installed giant wheels and other joy rides in the open area surrounding the temple.
However, within two days of the sealing order, the administration lifted the seal on the giant wheel and other rides operated by the original organiser on Sunday evening, after he managed to secure the required approvals.
In contrast, the second group of youngsters was unable to obtain similar clearances, resulting in their rides remaining shut.
Members of the second group later told the media that they faced undue delays and lack of cooperation from the Mapusa Municipal Council and other government departments while applying for permissions.
They alleged that officials were reluctant to process their applications and showed preferential treatment towards the original organiser.
The episode has triggered concern among local residents and activists, who have urged the government to formulate clear and transparent guidelines for the conduct of the Bodgeshwar Zatra and other upcoming festivals across the State.
They criticised the administration’s “seal and shut” approach and called for a more facilitative and uniform policy.
In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Collector and the Mamlatdar, and signed by Sanjay Barde, Vijay Bhike, Jitesh Kamat, Shekar Naik, Sitesh More and others, the residents demanded that the government place Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a comprehensive checklist for amusement rides in the public domain.
“There is significant confusion regarding compliance requirements. Operators and the public must clearly know what is mandatory – whether structural stability certificates, fire safety NOCs or electrical clearances,” the memorandum stated.
The signatories also proposed that, instead of abrupt closures, the district administration should hold emergency meetings with ride operators to address safety gaps under supervision, allowing festivals to continue without compromising public safety.
With several Zatras and local festivals approaching, they further called for a single-window clearance system to avoid last-minute chaos and ensure preparedness well in advance.
