Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 21: Authorities in Goa have put in place extensive safety and crowd management measures ahead of the annual Jatra of Shree Lairai Devi Temple, scheduled for April 21, in a bid to prevent a repeat of last year’s tragic stampede.
Key arrangements include continuous CCTV surveillance, removal of encroachments along the main corridors, installation of watchtowers at strategic locations, and creation of barricades and buffer zones. Multiple entry and exit points, clearly marked emergency evacuation routes, and deployment of trained volunteers for crowd control are also part of the plan. A dedicated control room equipped with CCTV access and public address systems will monitor the event round the clock.
The enhanced measures follow the May 3, 2025 tragedy at Shirgao village in North Goa, where six persons lost their lives and over 100 were injured in a stampede during the festival.
The Jatra, held in honour of Goddess Lairai Devi, draws thousands of devotees, including ‘Dhonds’ who participate in the traditional fire-walking ritual. During the ritual, devotees circle the sacred fire pit (homkhand) and walk barefoot across burning embers, attracting large crowds of spectators.
A fact-finding committee constituted to probe the incident had termed the tragedy “entirely preventable,” citing poor planning, lack of enforcement, ignored directives, and inadequate infrastructure. It noted that overcrowding on a sloped pathway, coupled with a sudden surge of devotees, triggered a domino effect leading to the stampede.
Based on its findings, the Disaster Management Authority has issued a comprehensive checklist for mass gatherings. Authorities have stressed adequate deployment of security personnel, traffic marshals, and volunteers, along with strict adherence to venue capacity limits.
The advisory also calls for drone-based monitoring, subject to approvals, and mandates mock drills to ensure preparedness for emergencies. Officials have emphasised the need for sufficient holding areas and buffer zones at key congregation points to prevent overcrowding.
With these measures in place, authorities aim to ensure a safe and orderly of the annual festival, which remains one of Goa’s most significant religious events.