Team Goemkarponn
Mapusa: The giant wheel and several other amusement rides installed at the Shri Bodgeshwar Jatra grounds in Mapusa were de-sealed following action by the local Mamlatdar, allowing the fair to resume normal operations after a brief disruption caused by regulatory issues.
The rides, owned by Kader Shaikh, had earlier been sealed after authorities found that mandatory permissions and safety clearances had not been produced. With the de-sealing now completed, visitors once again thronged the venue to enjoy the attractions, bringing relief to both the operators and the public.
Officials, however, cautioned ride operators to strictly adhere to safety norms and ensure that all required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and approvals are obtained to prevent similar action in the future.
Earlier, Additional District Collector Pundalik Khorjuvekar had directed the Deputy Collector to immediately seal and remove the giant wheel and other amusement installations at the jatra venue if they were found operating without valid NOCs and safety permits. The directive was issued on Wednesday evening on the instructions of the North Goa District Collector, and copies of the order were forwarded to the Chairman of the Bodgeshwar Devasthan and the North Goa District Collectorate.
The District Collector had instructed the Additional District Collector to initiate action against all amusement rides at the fairgrounds that failed to submit the necessary documentation for safe operation. As of Wednesday, the concerned parties had not furnished the required permits to the Collector’s office.
Taking note of the non-compliance, Khorjuvekar had instructed Deputy Collector Varsha Parab, along with the Mamlatdar and Temple Administrator Anant Malik, to seal and remove the rides without delay.
Notably, on December 26, the Additional District Collector had already ordered the closure of one giant wheel at the venue due to the absence of a fire safety clearance. Despite this, another giant wheel and additional amusement rides were subsequently erected at the fairgrounds, prompting further administrative scrutiny.
