A high-level coordination meeting was held today under the chairmanship of the Collector and District Magistrate, North Goa, to review and strengthen arrangements for the Annual Shri Devi Lairai Jatra at Shirgao, scheduled on 21st April 2026.
The meeting was attended by the District Magistrate Shri Ankit Yadav, IAS, Superintendent of Police Shri Harish Madkaikar, Additional Collector Shri Pravin Parab, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shri Shubham Naik, DySP Ms. Shridevi B. V., IPS, along with senior officers from the Police, District Administration, Health, Fire, PWD, Electricity Department, Panchayats, Temple Managing Committee, and other concerned departments.
The meeting focused on learning from past incidents and addressing site-specific risk factors, particularly crowd congestion on the approach roads. Detailed discussions were held on crowd management, safety measures, infrastructure preparedness, and inter-departmental coordination.
Key decisions taken include implementation of a one-way movement system, removal of encroachments and stalls from main corridors, installation of extensive CCTV surveillance, and establishment of a Joint Command and Control Room for real-time supervision.
It was decided to regulate entry through staggered time slots supported by public address systems, strengthen police deployment at critical points, and create designated holding areas. Requisite medical aid posts, clear ambulance corridors, and round-the-clock fire safety arrangements will be ensured.
The Temple Committee has been instructed to undertake systematic orientation and training of Dhond devotees and volunteers, emphasizing discipline, queue management, and safety protocols. A comprehensive Do’s and Don’ts will be circulated in the local language for public awareness.
The Public Works Department, Electricity Department, and Panchayats were directed to complete road repairs, lighting arrangements, electrical safety inspections, and removal of unauthorized structures well in advance. Traffic and parking management plans are being finalized in coordination with local bodies.
The District Magistrate emphasized that strict adherence to the approved safety and crowd management plan is mandatory and warned that failure to implement the measures will invite stringent administrative action.
The District Administration appealed to all devotees and stakeholders to cooperate fully in ensuring a safe, orderly, and peaceful conduct of the Shri Devi Lairai Jatra 2026.
