VASCO
The giant wheel will not be permitted at this year’s annual Damodar Saptah fair in Vasco, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus said on Thursday, directing authorities and organisers to strictly follow safety and disaster management protocols.
Cleetus reviewed preparations for the fair with Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, South Goa SP Tikam Singh, Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam, Deputy Collector Pratap Rao Gaonkar, Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit and Saptah Samiti members.
She directed organisers to maintain separate entry and exit points for devotees, keep emergency exits free of barricades and create a holding area to regulate crowds during peak hours. Adequate pandals will also be installed in view of possible rain.
The administration will verify fire safety, structural stability and other mandatory certifications for stalls and temporary structures. Fire brigade personnel and ambulances will be stationed during the fair.
Cleetus said the number of stalls allotted by the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) must comply with High Court restrictions and must not encroach on roads or obstruct traffic.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) will inspect food arrangements, particularly the distribution of prasad. Food preparation at individual stalls will generally not be permitted, with a common kitchen to be used. Where cooking is permitted, stalls must have fire extinguishers.
“On the first day, teams of the FDA, Mamlatdar, MMC and police will conduct inspections to check for violations, after which action will be initiated,” Cleetus said.
On the giant wheel, she said the administration had rejected a proposal to install one on government land.
“There are no permissions granted and there will be no giant wheel at the Vasco Saptah fair this year,” she said.
Salkar said all standard operating procedures would be followed and arrangements streamlined to prevent overcrowding around the temple. He said the Saptah Committee had taken public insurance for the temple and surrounding premises, while the MMC would provide insurance for the fair area.
