Birch fire: 2 GSPCB officials suspended, CM says no one will be spared

MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that action would be taken against additional government officials from various departments if they are found to have been derelict in their duties while issuing permissions to the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora.
His statement came as the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) suspended two more of its officials in the case, taking the total number of suspended government employees to five.
The GSPCB on Wednesday suspended scientific assistant Chaitanya Salgaonkar and junior environmental engineer Vijay Harischandra Kansekar for allegedly failing to conduct a proper inspection of the nightclub premises before granting necessary clearances.
Addressing the media, Sawant said heads of departments concerned have been directed to issue show-cause notices to officials involved in the licensing process.
“If they are found to have been derelict in their duty while issuing licences, strict action will be taken. This includes officials from the fire department, excise department or any other department that was involved in granting permissions,” the Chief Minister said.
Sawant emphasised that accountability would not be limited to one department alone. “All departments that issued permissions will be examined. If lapses are found, action will follow,” he said.
The Chief Minister also warned of stringent action against the nightclub owners, alleging that forged documents were used to obtain licences.
“Those owners who were involved in forging documents to secure licences will also face action. No one will be spared,” Sawant said.
He added that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules against government servants found guilty of misconduct.
“Action will be taken strictly as per rules,” he said.
The case has triggered a wider scrutiny of the process followed by government departments while granting licences to commercial establishments, particularly nightclubs, amid growing concerns over regulatory lapses and accountability.