EXTRAORDINARY

GOVERNMENT OF GOA

Department of Revenue

Office of the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bicholim, Sub-Division, Bicholim

Order

(Under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023)

Whereas the Annual Jatra of Shree Devi Lairai at Shirgao, Bicholim is scheduled to commence on 21st

April, 2026 and a very large congregation of devotees is expected in and around the temple premises,

approach roads and adjoining public areas;

And whereas the roads, pathways, open spaces, congregation points and access routes used during the

Jatra constitute public places whose unregulated use may result in obstruction, congestion, safety hazards

and danger to human life;

And whereas the Minutes of the Meeting dated 31-01-2026 issued by the Collector & District

Magistrate, North Goa prescribe coordinated enforcement for crowd safety, removal of unauthorized

structures and strict adherence to safety norms;

And whereas the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay at Goa in Writ Petition No. 129 of 2026 has

underscored the necessity of effective crowd management and preventive measures in view of past

incidents;

And whereas I am satisfied that immediate preventive regulation of public places is necessary to

ensure safe movement of devotees, maintain unobstructed emergency access and prevent risk to public

safety during the said Jatra;

Now therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 152 of the Bharatiya

Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, I, Shubham Naik, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bicholim Sub-Division,

hereby issue the following directions:

1. A Joint Task Force is hereby constituted to regulate public places, enforce safety norms and remove

unauthorized structures in connection with the Jatra commencing on 21-04-2026.

2. The Joint Task Force shall comprise:

No. DCB/BICH/Devi/Lairai-Sirgao/Jatra/2026/771

Date : 27-Feb-2026

Suggestions are welcomed on e-mail: [email protected]

4723

Reg. No. RNP/GOA/32/2024-2026

RNI No. GOAENG/2002/6410

Panaji, 27th February, 2026 (Phalguna 8, 1947)

SERIES III No. 48

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

• Mamlatdar of Bicholim Taluka

• Police Inspector, Bicholim Police Station

• Station Fire Officer, Fire & Emergency Services, Bicholim

• Executive Engineer, Electricity Department, Bicholim

• Executive Engineer, PWD (Roads), Bicholim

• Executive Engineer, PWD (Buildings), Bicholim

• Secretary, Village Panchayat Shirgao

3. In regulation of public places during the Jatra, it is hereby directed that:

(a) No person shall erect any stall, shed, temporary structure, installation or obstruction on any

road, pathway, access route or other public place without prior written permission of the competent

authority;

(b) No material, vehicle, equipment or installation shall be placed so as to obstruct or reduce the

width of any road, pedestrian passage or emergency route;

(c) All unauthorized structures, stalls or encroachments located on roads or other public places

shall be removed forthwith by the persons concerned, failing which the Joint Task Force shall remove

the same in the interest of public safety;

(d) Parking of vehicles shall be strictly regulated as per directions of the Police and Traffic

Authorities and no parking shall be permitted on emergency access routes;

(e) Electrical, fire-related and structural installations in public places shall comply with safety

norms and may be dismantled by the Task Force if found unsafe.

4. The Mamlatdar, Bicholim Taluka shall function as the In-Charge Officer of the Joint Task Force and

shall coordinate inspections, enforcement action and reporting.

5. The Public Works Department shall provide necessary logistical support to the Joint Task Force

including deployment of trucks, earth-moving machinery, labour and such other equipment or manpower as

may be required for removal of encroachments, clearing of access routes and execution of safety measures.

6. All Departments and Authorities shall extend full cooperation to the Task Force and shall act upon

its directions issued in furtherance of this order.

7. Any violation of this order shall invite action in accordance with law.

8. This order shall come into force with immediate effect and remain operative till completion of the

Jatra or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Shubham Naik, Deputy Collector & SDM, Bicholim Sub-Division.

Bicholim.

4724

OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA

SERIES III No. 48

(EXTRAORDINARY)

27TH FEBRUARY, 2026

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