Bombay High Court Sets Deadline for Maharashtra Government on Shirgao Jatra Safety
The Bombay High Court has issued a directive to the Maharashtra state government, granting a one-week deadline to submit an affidavit. This document must detail the decisions and minutes of meetings held at the governmental level to ensure preparedness for the upcoming Devi Lairai jatra at Shirgao in Bicholim, scheduled for April 21.
State's Response to Court and Past Tragedy
Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the court that following last year's stampede, which resulted in the tragic loss of six lives, the state is implementing comprehensive precautions to prevent any untoward incidents during this year's event. "The State is aware of how serious the problem is and this time has taken all precautions," Pangam stated. He emphasized that multiple meetings have been conducted, and the state is actively pursuing various measures to manage the anticipated large crowds effectively.
Pangam highlighted a critical challenge: the village road is extremely narrow, yet it attracts lakhs of devotees, including Dhonds, creating significant logistical hurdles. In response, the High Court instructed him to file an affidavit that places on record the governmental decisions taken earlier this month regarding the jatra's arrangements.
Key Safety Measures and Coordination Efforts
Earlier reports indicated that a high-level coordination meeting was held to review and strengthen arrangements for this year's event. The meeting resulted in several key decisions aimed at enhancing safety and crowd management:
- Implementation of a one-way movement system to regulate traffic flow.
- Removal of encroachments and stalls from main corridors to ensure clear passage.
- Installation of extensive CCTV camera surveillance for continuous monitoring.
- Establishment of a joint command and control room for real-time supervision of the event.
Additionally, it was decided to regulate entry through staggered time slots, supported by public address systems to communicate effectively with attendees. The plan also includes strengthening police deployment and creating designated holding areas to manage crowd density and prevent overcrowding.
The state's proactive approach reflects a commitment to learning from past incidents and ensuring a safe environment for all participants in the revered Devi Lairai jatra.
