MARGAO
South Goa District Collector, Egna Cleetus, has prohibited the use, bursting, ignition or operation of fireworks, pyrotechnic devices, sparklers, flame effects, smoke effects or any similar fire/smoke-generating devices inside tourist establishments, any indoor or enclosed premises such as nightclubs, bars and restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and resorts, beach shacks and temporary structures and event venues and entertainment establishments throughout the district. The order also applies throughout the Kushavati district.
In an order issued on Monday, the Collector said the prohibition applies to all organisers, event managers, individuals, institutions, tourist establishments such as nightclubs, bars & restaurants, hotels, guesthouses & resorts, beach shacks and temporary structures and event venues and entertainment establishments.
The order, however, stated that the prohibition shall not apply to religious shrines, such as temples, churches, mosques, gurudwaras and similar recognised places of worship, where traditional lighting or ritual practices are carried out as per customary norms.
The order further stated that the District Magistrate (or an authorised officer) may grant prior written permission for indoor pyrotechnics, in exceptional cases provided the applicant submits a detailed safety and risk-mitigation plan and all supporting documents required for safety compliance.
This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in operation for a period of 60 days (both days inclusive) unless withdrawn earlier.
All Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Magistrates of both South Goa and Kushavati District have been authorised to verify any violation of this order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and to file FIRs before the concerned police station and to lodge complaints before the jurisdictional Judicial Magistrate.
