Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a move driven by safety concerns and a High Court mandate, the North Goa District Administration has imposed strict crowd-control measures for the Shri Lairai Devi Jatra scheduled on April 21 at Shirigao, Bicholim, to prevent stampede-like situations during the annual gathering.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has ordered tight regulation of stalls and vendors, identifying unplanned vending and narrow movement corridors as major risks during the high-footfall event that draws thousands of devotees and tourists.
As per the order issued by Additional Collector-II and DDMA CEO Pravin Hire Parab, vendors will be allowed only in designated zones away from core circulation routes. Local authorities have also been directed not to issue No-Objection Certificates for stalls without prior approval from the district administration.
The administration has further instructed removal of encroachments along main access paths to maintain adequate corridor widths and avoid bottlenecks. All permitted stalls will be required to comply with fire and electrical safety norms.
A scrutiny sub-committee has been constituted to vet stall layouts and oversee on-ground enforcement. The panel will be headed by the Deputy Collector and SDO, Bicholim, with the Mamlatdar as member secretary. Other members include the DySP Bicholim, Fire Safety Officer, executive engineers from PWD and Electricity Department, a representative of Shri Lairai Saunsthan and the Shirigao panchayat secretary.
The committee has been asked to submit its report by April 10 and ensure immediate removal of unauthorised stalls. The administration has warned of strict action, including criminal proceedings, against violations.
Officials said the measures are part of a comprehensive safety plan to prevent overcrowding and ensure orderly movement of devotees during the jatra.
