Amusement rides at Mapusa jatra sealed | Goa News
Panaji: The office of the North Goa collectorate on Thursday sealed the amusement rides set up at Mapusa for the popular Dev Bodgeshwar jatra, as the operator of the amusement rides, including the giant wheel, allegedly operated without mandatory clearances. The crackdown, authorities said, was taken in the interest of public safety.The North Goa additional collector conducted an inspection based on directions of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), which issued strict orders for safety compliance to be adhered to for the jatra, which is on until Jan 9.The Bardez mamlatdar gave the operator an opportunity to obtain the necessary clearances, including the NOC from the directorate of fire and emergency services. The authorities said that fire, electrical and structural safety inspections are compulsory. However, despite time being given to the operator, the necessary NOCs were not obtained.The SDMA ordered all amusement rides operating without mandatory NOCs to be shut, sealed and removed. Officials were also directed to ensure crowd safety, with organisers being held liable for violations.The Dev Bodgeshwar jatra attracts devotees from across the state, with thousands of people visiting Mapusa during the nine-day festival. Amusement rides are part of the attraction for families.While sealing the amusement rides, the Bardez Mamlatdar issued an order stating that the rides would not be allowed to resume until the due permissions are obtained.In the aftermath of the fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, where safety measures were lacking, govt has taken a hard stand against safety violations and unauthorised adventure activities.
