Stalls allowed at Shirgao jatra with restrictions

Panaji: The North Goa District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has permitted some stalls to be erected during the Devi Lairai jatra at Shirgao.

However, the DDMA said that on the first day, the stalls opposite the homkhand area shall be reduced in size from 6m wide to 5m wide.

North Goa collector Ankit Yadav, who heads the DDMA, also said that 15 stalls proposed on the approach road to the parking area will be shifted back by 1.5m from the roads to maintain adequate access and exit routes for emergency vehicles.

Last year on May 3, six devotees died and 74 were injured in a stampede at the Shirgao jatra.

The collector has issued an order for strict regulation of stalls for the jatra scheduled to begin on April 21.

Yadav approved two phases for erection of stalls to manage the expected high footfall during the jatra.

On the second day of the jatra, stalls shall be erected in the stipulated places after 10am in view of the large congregation during the homkhand ritual.