PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Goa government to place on record a comprehensive crowd management plan for the forthcoming Annual Shri Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, in the wake of last year’s stampede that claimed six lives and injured around 80 others.
The direction was issued in response to a petition urging the court to ensure that stringent safety measures are put in place, pointing out that this year’s Zatra is slated on April 21. The petitioners cited the tragedy during the festival held in May 2025 while seeking its intervention.
In the petition, they also sought that the authorities take into consideration the recommendations made by a Fact-Finding Inquiry Committee constituted after the incident, to prevent any recurrence of such a disaster.
The government counsel informed the court that several “important decisions” have already been implemented to strengthen safety arrangements for the upcoming event.
The High Court granted the State one week to file a short affidavit detailing the measures undertaken and proposed long-term plan while adjourning the matter to March 10 for further hearing.
