MARGAO
In the wake of the Arpora fire tragedy at the Birch night club, South Goa District Collector and District Magistrate Egna Cleetus has issued a public appeal urging all nightclubs, restaurants, bars, event venues, and similar establishments in the district to strictly comply with fire and emergency safety norms.
To ensure compliance, the Collector has constituted taluka-level inspection teams, which will conduct on-site checks at all such establishments from December 16 across Salcete, Canacona, Mormugao, Ponda, Quepem, Sanguem, and Dharbandora. Establishments found violating safety norms will face strict action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other applicable laws, the Collector has warned.
This follows the advisory issued by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) under Sections 22(2)(h), 22(2)(i), and 24 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, mandating immediate adherence to prescribed safety standards.
The South District Magistrate reminded the stakeholders that the advisory has mandated all establishments to maintain a valid Fire NOC and comply with all conditions issued by the Fire Services Department and to adhere to authorised occupancy limits and refrain from overcrowding.
That’s not all. The advisory has asked the stakeholders to ensure all fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems “ including smoke/heat detectors, sprinklers, extinguishers, hydrants, and hose reels “ are fully functional.
While pointing that they use only certified electrical wiring and protection systems, and eliminate unsafe or overloaded electrical connections, the stakeholders have been told to keep emergency exits and escape routes unobstructed, with proper signage, lighting, and evacuation maps.
The advisory has further told them to conduct regular staff training and evacuation drills, and appoint a Fire Safety Officer for each shift.
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