Come September 19, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Goa will see a lot many heads covered, as the state government is all set to enforce the compulsory helmet rule for all two wheeler riders. “We will strictly enforce the rule after Ganesh Chaturthi. Let our people worship Lord Ganesh and enjoy the festival,” Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar told IANS Saturday.

In 2011, 300 people died in road accidents in Goa, and this year already 150 road accident deaths have been recorded till June. A big reason for this can be the unprecedented increase in vehicles in Goa in the last couple of years. Therefore, the ruling comes as a good, if not late, decision on the part of the state government. The rule shall apply to pillion riders as well, not just the person riding the vehicle.

Although attempts had been made earlier by the Goan government to make wearing helmets compulsory, several civil society groups complained that it should be an individual decision and got the ruling reversed. Till now, in Goa, helmets were compulsory for the rider only on the national highway and not within city limits.

The new enforcing has already brought new protesters forward. Suresh Thakur, President of the Goa Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association (GMRTA) says that it will cause a huge problem for the hundreds of two-wheelers acting as taxi cabs in the state. “Our passengers won’t wear helmets worn by several other people. Will you wear anyone else’s shirt? It’s unhygienic. This ruling will kill our business,” he said.

Ganesh Chaturthi onwards, Goa will see a lot more helmets. “We have to save our people from getting seriously injured in accidents. Hope Lord Ganesh will give them the wisdom to understand the importance of helmets,” Dhavalikar added. Not sure if wisdom will dawn or not, but as long as people stick to the rules and there are lesser fatalities from road accidents, all should be well.