PANAJI
The Goa government announced the cancellation of all State-sponsored events for the next three days after the stampede during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao in the early hours of Saturday claimed six lives and injured around 80.
The General Administration Department issued a notification, with the Spirit of Goa Festival becoming the first event to be called off.
“In view of the tragic stampede incident that occurred during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, and as an expression of condolences to the departed and their families, the Government of Goa hereby directs that all Government-supported festive programmes and public celebrations scheduled over the next three days be cancelled or postponed,” the notification by General Administration Department stated.
Heads of departments, government corporations, and autonomous bodies have been strictly instructed to ensure compliance with the directive.
The Tourism Department’s Spirit of Goa Festival, which was scheduled to be held the same weekend – May 3-4, at the SAG Grounds in Colva, was the first event to be cancelled. In a statement, the department said the decision was taken in light of the stampede that claimed lives and left several others injured.
“The Department prioritizes the safety, well-being, and sentiments of the people of Goa during this difficult time and expresses its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” the statement read.
As per the police, thousands of devotees had packed into the narrow lanes around the temple for the annual festival, resulting in overcrowding and chaos that led to the deadly stampede.
“At least 30,000 to 40,000 people had gathered ... and some were standing on a slope. A few persons fell on the slope and others tumbled. Around 40 to 50 people fell at the spot,” Director General of Police Alok Kumar said after the initial briefing regarding the incident.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, accompanied by DGP Kumar, local officials and senior police personnel, visited the site to assess the situation. The CM later chaired a high-level meeting where several important decisions were taken including transfers of five police and district administration officers.
