Vasco, July 26, 2025 – In a first for the annual Damodar Saptah festival, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has arranged comprehensive insurance coverage worth ₹20.25 crore for the event, along with an additional ₹25 lakh fire insurance specifically for the festival’s food court area.
The decision follows heightened concerns over public safety after a recent stampede incident at another Goan religious event. MMC Chairperson Girish Borker stated that the step was taken as a preventive measure due to the large crowds expected to attend the week-long celebration.
The insurance covers the entire fair area including Swatantra Path and St. Joseph Vaz Road, where vendors and stalls will be located. Meanwhile, the temple premises will be managed separately by the Saptah Utsav Committee, which has its own safety measures and insurance arrangements in place.
Authorities have also appointed dedicated teams and officials to oversee visitor movement and crowd control during peak hours, ensuring the safety of both devotees and vendors.
This initiative marks a significant shift in how public events are being managed in Goa, setting an example for other municipalities to consider similar safeguards for large-scale gatherings.
