The hallowed ground of the Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao was tragically transformed into a scene of unimaginable horror on Saturday, leaving six dead, some critical and scores injured. While the cause of the stampede is still being debated, the devastating turn points to a reckless breakdown in coordination and a lack of preparedness among those responsible for ensuring the safety of nearly a lakh devotees. This was not a random act of misfortune; it was a foreseeable tragedy born from a collective failure to learn from the past. It's a failure to prioritize human safety.
The sheer scale of the expected crowd demanded meticulous planning and a flawless system. We need to ask why, despite the known history of crowds at the zatra, there was such a glaring lack of preparedness. Bolstering police presence with over 1000 personnel was a necessary step, but it was rendered largely ineffective by inherent failures. How could authorities deploy drones for surveillance yet completely overlook the fundamental need for CCTV coverage? Why was a public address system, a lifeline in times of chaos, deemed unnecessary? The lack of basic crowd management infrastructure – barricading and directional stripes – left pilgrims directionless and vulnerable, further exacerbating the panic. And where were the volunteers, the vital boots on the ground, to guide and assist the surging crowds?
The failure extends beyond the operational shortcomings. Why did the temple committee, police, and administration not engage in prior discussions specifically addressing these vulnerable areas? The lack of coordination was palpable and unforgivable. Furthermore, the State's aspirations to declare the Zatra a state festival ring hollow in the face of this tragedy.
Since this festival holds immense significance, why has the government not prioritized developing the necessary infrastructure at the site? Festivals are indeed about devotion, but ensuring the safety of those who come to worship should have been a top priority. Road widening and proper barricading are not luxuries, they are essential safeguards. And what was the disaster management team doing in the lead-up to and during the finale?
This stampede is a stark reminder that neglecting vulnerabilities is a recipe for disaster. There is blood on the hands of all those responsible. It is a collective failure of the police, the government administration, and the temple committee. The fact-finding committee must delve deep into the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to unfold.
Lessons must be learned, accountability fixed, and concrete measures implemented to ensure that no sacred space in Goa is ever again marred by such tragedies. The faith of devotees deserves nothing less than a guarantee of their safety.
