The Bombay High Court at Goa has directed the Goa government to submit a comprehensive crowd management plan for the upcoming Annual Shri Devi Lairai Jatra at Shirgao.
The directive came in response to a petition filed before the High Court in light of the tragic stampede during last year’s festival at the Shri Devi Lairai Temple, which claimed six lives and left nearly 80 devotees injured.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
Petitioners stressed the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety protocols, citing concerns over crowd control, emergency response preparedness, and overall event management. They urged the State to ensure that robust arrangements are put in place well before the festival, which is scheduled to be held on April 21, 2026.
The court has sought a detailed action plan outlining measures for crowd regulation, deployment of police personnel, medical facilities, barricading, and disaster management readiness.
Next Hearing on March 10
The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 10, when the State is expected to present its comprehensive strategy to prevent any recurrence of last year’s tragedy.
The Annual Shri Devi Lairai Jatra draws thousands of devotees from across Goa and neighbouring states, making effective crowd management a critical priority for authorities.
