Goa Government Provides Detailed Safety Assurance for Lairai Devi Jatra to Bombay High Court
The state government of Goa has formally informed the Bombay High Court that robust and adequate safety protocols have been meticulously implemented for the upcoming Lairai Devi jatra at Shirgao. This decisive action aims to prevent any recurrence of the tragic stampede that claimed lives during last year's event, ensuring the safety of the massive crowds expected to attend.
High-Level Meetings and Comprehensive Planning
Advocate General Devidas Pangam, representing the state, conveyed to the court that all necessary precautions have been thoroughly addressed. He detailed that a high-level meeting was specifically convened to strategize the management of the enormous anticipated crowd and to finalize a comprehensive set of precautionary measures. Pangam emphasized to reporters that the government's plan is multi-faceted and leaves no stone unturned.
"The traffic will be properly regulated. Shops will not be permitted to be erected close to the road. Proper police personnel will be available at the site. There will be complete monitoring of the jatra," Pangam stated, outlining the core components of the safety framework.
Court's Response and Future Recourse
The Bombay High Court, after reviewing the submitted plans, expressed satisfaction with the precautionary measures being undertaken. Consequently, the court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) petition that was filed concerning the safety of the jatra. However, in a move that underscores judicial prudence, the court has explicitly permitted the petitioner to approach it again should any new or unresolved safety issues arise, providing a continuous avenue for oversight and accountability.
Detailed Safety Measures for the April 21 Event
The jatra is scheduled to take place on April 21 in Shirgao, a location known for its very narrow village roads that traditionally see lakhs of devotees, or 'dhonds,' in attendance. Building on earlier hearings and reports, the state has implemented a detailed action plan to manage the event safely.
Key measures include:
- Implementation of a strict one-way movement system for pedestrian and vehicle traffic to prevent congestion.
- Removal of all encroachments and temporary stalls from the main corridors and pathways to ensure clear passage.
- Installation of an extensive network of CCTV cameras for round-the-clock surveillance.
- Establishment of a joint command and control room to enable real-time supervision and rapid response coordination.
- Regulation of entry through staggered time slots to control crowd density, supported by public address systems for clear communication.
- Significant strengthening of police deployment at all critical and vulnerable points throughout the venue.
- Creation of designated holding areas to manage overflow crowds safely and systematically.
These proactive steps represent a concerted effort by the Goa government to balance the deep cultural and religious significance of the Lairai Devi jatra with the paramount importance of public safety, learning directly from the painful lessons of the previous year's incident.
