Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 5: The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) State President and former minister Jose Philip D’Souza has sharply criticised the Goa government for what he called “gross administrative failure” following the tragic incident during the Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao.

Extending condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, D’Souza said the unfortunate event raised troubling questions about the state’s disaster preparedness.

“This tragedy has revealed serious lapses in planning and basic safety arrangements,” he said on Saturday. “The government declared Lairai Zatra a state-level festival with much fanfare, but failed to implement adequate measures to handle the massive crowds — especially during sensitive rituals like the Homkund ceremony held at night.”

He further alleged that the disaster management system was woefully inadequate, leaving thousands of devotees vulnerable during the festival.

D’Souza urged authorities to take accountability and ensure that such oversights do not recur during major public events in the state.