STATES ADMINISTRATION FAILED TO IMPLEMENT SUGGESTIONS
BICHOLIM/PANAJI
In the aftermath of stampede at the Zatra on May 2 which resulted in six fatalities and dozens of injuries, the Shree Lairai Devasthan Committee has decided that no stalls will be allowed along the main road leading to the temple from next year.
Addressing a news conference in Shirgao on Thursday, the Devasthan Committee President Dinanath Gaonkar assured that steps would be taken to address encroachments on roads that hinder smooth traffic flow to Shirgao, a significant concern raised in the wake of the stampede. “From next year onwards, no stalls will be put up along the road leading to the temple,” Gaonkar stated.
While claiming that his committee took proactive steps to prevent further mishaps, Gaonkar strongly denied any responsibility for the fatal incident and instead pointed fingers at the previous committee. “It was the responsibility of the outgoing committee to coordinate with the police and the administration,” he said. “They should have called a joint meeting to plan the event, but they failed to do so.”
MANY MEETINGS
Gaonkar said his committee had taken charge on April 2 and claimed that the outgoing committee had been expected to plan arrangements with the State administration regarding the Shirgao Zatra. “We immediately corresponded with the administration and submitted a letter to the Mamlatdar. In response, the Mamlatdar issued instructions on April 15 for officers to attend a meeting on April 16,” said Gaonkar.
According to Gaonkar, the Mamlatdar himself did not attend, and instead, Joint Mamlatdar 2 and the police inspector attended the meeting.
“It was then decided to hold a review meeting on April 25, but it was postponed to April 28. Various suggestions were made, shops by the side of the road were to be prohibited, and suggestions were given on other matters.”
“Then, a meeting was convened in the Deputy Collector’s office on April 29 and he gave some suggestions. Then, a comprehensive meeting was held on April 30 in the presence of SP Akshat Kaushal. We had raised many issues at this meeting and provided all information regarding the exit points and potential hotspots.”
DELAYS IN ACTION
Gaonkar further clarified his committee’s position, insisting that the incident was not due to any negligence on their part. “The Panchayat, the Bicholim Deputy Collector’s office, and the State administration were accountable for the mismanagement that led to the incident,” he added.
Gaonkar informed that a woman had died at the site of a roadside wall during the Zatra last year and there had been a demand to remove this wall. “But nothing was done about it. The Panchayat had issued a notice, but both the Panchayat and the administration did not follow up in this matter. The Panchayat and the administration did not act to remove the wall after the incident last year.”
“There was also a delay by the administration regarding arrangements expected for the Shirgao fair, and precautions to be initiated after an incident last year were ignored by the machinery itself,” Gaonkar added.
“It is wrong to hold the Devasthan Committee responsible for the tragedy. In a short time, we continuously followed up on issues and had emphasised improving the system. However, the administration delayed in implementing these suggestions, which led to many lapses.”
STATE FESTIVAL STATUS
Gaonkar said the State government had announced that the Shirgao Zatra would be given state-level status. “However, our new committee raised some issues in this regard. A meeting was convened with the Mahajans to seek their views regarding the state-level status of the festival, but most of the Mahajans objected to this status,” said Gaonkar.
“We will ensure that necessary precautions are taken next year to prevent such tragic incidents,” Gaonkar added.
Bhaskar Gaonkar, Atish Gaonkar, Dayanand Gaonkar and other committee office bearers were also present at the news conference.
