Team Herald
CANACONA: In a proactive move to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming annual Gadeutsav zatra at Mahalwada, Poinguinim, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly and MLA of Canacona, Ramesh Tawadkar, chaired a high-level joint departmental meeting on Thursday with key officials from various departments. An annual event is expected to be attended by more than 10,000 devotees across Goa.
With the tragic Devi Lairai Festival stampede in Bicholim still fresh in public memory, the meeting placed a sharp focus on safety, inter-departmental coordination, and crowd management. The zatra, scheduled for May 17, is expected to draw thousands of devotees from across the State.
Held in the presence of Deputy Collector Pratarao Naik Gaonkar, DySP (Traffic), Police Inspector of Traffic and Canacona Police Station, Fire Station In-Charge, and senior officials from key civic and emergency departments, the review meeting emphasised a zero-compromise approach to safety.
“All necessary steps are being taken to ensure a peaceful, spiritual, and organised Gadeutsav. Crowd control, traffic diversions, fire safety, medical aid, and overall preparedness are being fine-tuned to the last detail,” said Tawadkar, urging departments to work in synergy and ensure timely deployment of infrastructure and personnel.
Special attention was given to traffic movement planning, emergency response systems, and deployment of police and fire personnel. Authorities assured the public that adequate arrangements are in place for seamless darshan and a spiritually fulfilling experience.
As Canacona braces for one of its most significant cultural celebrations, officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining the sanctity and tradition of Gadeutsav.