As Shirgao prepares for the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra, a sweeping overhaul of safety and crowd management is underway, shaped by the memory of last year’s fatal stampede. From stall-free routes and widened roads to surveillance and stricter movement controls, authorities are attempting to minimise risk. Yet, even as preparations intensify, questions over accountability remain unresolved. ‘The Goan’ reports from the ground to examine whether lessons have truly been learnt
The Devi Lairai temple in Shirgao.
SHIRGAO
Under the harsh April sun, the narrow stretch of road from the tallem (pond) to the Lairai temple in Shirgao is no longer what it used to be. Where once stood cluttered stalls, dangling wires and bottlenecks, there is now a visibly wider, cleaner corridor – a transformation driven by the haunting memory of last year’s tragedy when six devotees lost their lives, and over 50 were injured in a stampede.
With just days to go for the Lairai Zatra on April 21, the village has turned into a hive of activity. Workers, electricians, police personnel and volunteers are racing against time to complete an ambitious set of safety measures aimed at preventing a repeat of the disaster.
Stall-free route
Along the nearly 2-kilometre stretch leading to the temple, the most striking change is the absence of stalls. Last year, vendors lined both sides of the road, choking movement and contributing to the fatal congestion.
This time, authorities have enforced a strict no-stall policy along the main route, leaving the entire stretch open and unobstructed for devotees.
Only a handful of stalls selling water and refreshments have been permitted in an open area away from the main road stretch near the homkhand (bonfire site).
Road widened
Equally significant is the physical widening of the road. In several places, compound walls have been pushed back – in some cases voluntarily by residents.
“We agreed to take our compound wall inside so that people get more space to walk and perform rituals. A few of us have done it willingly, but not everyone has come forward,” said local resident Shivprasad Vasant Gaonkar, pointing to structures that still jut close to the road.
Underground cabling
The administration has also addressed a critical hazard that triggered panic last year – overhead electrical wires. During the stampede, fallen decorative wires had sparked rumours of electrocution, worsening the chaos.
Now, that risk has been eliminated.
“Almost the entire stretch now has underground cabling. Even the remaining area near the temple has been completed this year,” said an electrician supervising the installation of high mast lights near the pond.
With additional lighting fixtures installed, authorities are leaving little to chance. Mid-morning testing saw all streetlights switched on simultaneously – a sign of the urgency on the ground.
Open drains that once flanked the road have been covered with cement slabs, further widening the usable space and making movement safer.
CCTV watch
Technology, too, is playing a central role in this year’s preparations.
Inside the temple committee office, a large LED screen streams live visuals from 92 CCTV cameras installed across key areas – from the pond to the temple and beyond. Police and volunteers will monitor the feeds in real time, allowing for quick response to crowd build-up or emergencies.
A public address system has been set up along the entire route, enabling authorities to issue instructions, advisories and alerts to devotees – a crucial tool in managing large crowds.
On the ground, police presence is expected to be significantly scaled up.
A large contingent will be deployed, supported by around 100 trained volunteers from the temple committee.
“The volunteers will be briefed on their roles, especially in crowd management,” a police official said, adding that Bicholim PI Vijay Rane will personally oversee operations on the crucial first day.
Emergency, traffic plan
Emergency response has also been strengthened. For the first time, ambulances will be stationed at three strategic locations – near the temple, the pond and the homkhand – while a fire brigade vehicle will remain on standby.
Traffic regulations have been tightened. On April 21, four-wheelers will be barred from entering the village via the main road, while two-wheelers will face restrictions.
At midnight, during the ritual of dhonds running across burning embers, the main road will be completely cleared of vehicles.
Authorities are also attempting to streamline movement patterns. Certain sections, especially near the homkhand, may be converted into one-way routes to ease congestion during peak hours.
Some gaps persist
Despite the visible transformation, some gaps remain. Notably, there is an absence of clear signage along the route – something authorities appear to be compensating for through the public address system.
Even as preparations gather pace, the emotional undercurrent in Shirgao is unmistakable. While officials and the temple committee are working in tandem and a mock drill is scheduled ahead of the event, there is a palpable silence around last year’s tragedy.
“Whatever happened last year was not inside the temple. Inside, we had taken all precautions,” said the temple committee president, distancing the institution from the incident. “Only the administration can answer about what happened,” he added.
For many locals, however, the memory remains fresh – and serves as a reminder of what is at stake.
As Shirgao prepares to welcome thousands of devotees once again, the question lingers: will these sweeping changes be enough to ensure that faith is celebrated without fear this time?
