Goa Gazette, No. 2526-26, 30 September 2025

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Reg. No. RNP/GOA/32/2024-2026 RNI No. GOAENG/2002/6410 Panaji, ³⁰th September, ²⁰²⁵ (Asvina ⁸, ¹⁹⁴⁷) SERIES III No. 26

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

EXTRAORDINARY

GOVERNMENT OF GOA

Department of Home

Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, South Goa, Magisterial Section

Order

No. 38/2/2024/163 B.N.S.S./L&O/MAG/XII/M.O. 2915 Date : 29-Sep-2025

(Issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023)

Sub: Directions for Regulatory, Safety, Law and Order and Disaster Preparedness Measures to be executed during "Dusshera Festival" in South Goa District on 01st and 2nd October, 2025.

Whereas, in view of the forthcoming Dussehra festival to be celebrated on 01st and 02nd October 2025, it is anticipated that prominent temples in South Goa District will witness heavy footfall of devotees. Such gatherings, if not properly managed, may lead to overcrowding and traffic congestion, particularly during evening hours and on the day of Vijayadashami;

And whereas, in the past it has been noticed that Temple Committees often face challenges in putting adequate preventive measures in place for crowd control, traffic management and emergency response;

And whereas, with timely support and guidance, these measures can be strengthened to ensure public safety;

Now therefore, in exercise of powers conferred under the Section 22(2)(h) of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and other enabling statutory provisions, the undersigned, in capacity as Chairperson, District Disaster Management Authority, South Goa, hereby issues the following binding directions for compliance by all concerned public officers and departments for the effective regulation and secure conduct of the subject event:

i. The Deputy Collector and Sub Divisional Magistrates of South Goa District shall convene a meeting with the Temple Committees and all concerned for smooth conduct of the religious function, on or before 01-10-2025. Suggestions are welcomed on e-mail: [email protected] 2303 OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA SERIES III No. 26 (EXTRAORDINARY) 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2025 ii. The Deputy Collector and Sub Divisional Magistrates of South Goa District shall issue separate Executive Magistrate deployment order. (Action: Deputy Collectors & SDMs of South Goa District)

iii. All the Executive Magistrates shall mandatorily remain physically present within their assigned jurisdictions throughout the duration of the religious function at various locations in South Goa District and shall exercise powers under Section 153 and 163 of the B.N.S.S., 2023 for ensuring public safety and apprehended danger, nuisance and public disorder.

(Action: Deputy Collectors & SDMs, Executive Magistrates –Mamlatdar and Joint Mamlatdars of

respective jurisdiction)

iv. The Superintendent of Police, South Goa, shall ensure deployment of adequate personnel in uniform at all strategic locations to maintain public order, safety, peace and tranquillity during the said event.

(Action: SP, South Goa)

v. The SDPO's and the PI's shall be responsible for the regulated dispersal of the crowd post-religious function and for round-the-clock surveillance of vulnerable areas and to maintain law and order, safety, peace and tranquillity within their jurisdiction.

(Action: SDPOs and PIs of South Goa District)

vi. The Temple Committees shall establish separate, clearly demarcated entry and exit points for the religious function at the temple.

(Action: Temple Committees, to be monitored by Respective PI and all Executive Magistrates)

vii. Fire and Emergency Services shall deploy fire tenders at high-risk points and ensure placement of portable fire extinguishers and with operational signage.

(Action: Director, Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services)

viii. Directorate of Health Services shall position ambulances and first aid booths across the temples at various locations in South Goa District. Also, the medical aid stations shall be equipped with life- saving drugs, oxygen supply and emergency equipment.

(Action: Director, Directorate of Health Services)

ix. The Temple Committee shall coordinate with concerned line departments and an updated emergency contact list shall be compiled and circulated. Also, the Departmental Liaison Officers from Police, Fire, PWD, Health and Electricity shall maintain active communication with each other.

(Action: Temple Committees/ Police/ Fire/ PWD/ Health & Electricity)

x. All requisite prior, approvals, stability certificates, licenses, etc. shall be obtained by the Temple Committees from the Competent Authorities before commencement of the religious function.

(Action: Temple Committees)

All concerned Officers and agencies shall strictly adhere to the directions herein. Non-compliance shall be treated as dereliction of duty and attract appropriate legal action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Given under my hand and seal of this office on this 29th day of September, 2025.

Egna Cleetus, IAS, The District Magistrate, South Goa District, Margao-Goa.

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