PANAJI
Following the sealing of 22 nightclubs and other tourism establishments for safety and licence violations in the wake of Arpora nightclub fire that killed 25 people, the State government has now empowered Safety Audit Committee headed by IAS officer Sandip Jacques with limited authority to temporarily de-seal sealed premises, strictly for defined purposes such as removal of perishables or hazardous materials, while categorically barring any commercial activity during the period.
As per the addendum issued by Under Secretary Home Manthan Naik, the final de-sealing powers vest with the Additional Collector II and an appeal against the same can be made before the District Collectors.
Following Birch by Romeo Lane tragedy, the government, through a notification dated December 9, had appointed the Committee empowering to seal any tourism-related establishment falling within its jurisdiction where mandatory statutory permissions and clearances are not available, are invalid, have expired including fire safety NOC, Excise License, Trade License, etc. thereby suspending the operations with immediate effect.
As per the latest directions, the Committee can allow temporary de-sealing solely on an application by the owner or proprietor, and only to enable removal of perishable goods or hazardous materials, rectification of specific deficiencies pointed out during inspections, or to facilitate inspections by competent authorities. Once the permitted activity is completed, the premises must be re-sealed immediately.
The order makes it clear that no commercial operations will be allowed during the period of temporary de-sealing.
“The Committee is authorized to temporarily de-seal any establishment based upon an application from the owner or proprietor of such establishment, strictly for limited purposes, including removal of perishable goods or hazardous materials, rectification of deficiencies specifically directed by the Committee and facilitation of inspections by competent authorities. Upon completion of such purpose, the premises shall be re-sealed forthwith,” Naik said.
“No commercial operations shall be permitted during the period of temporary de-sealing and suspension of commercial operation shall be under the strict supervision of the Committee through the Mamlatdar and Police Inspector of the concerned area,” he added further.
Drawing a clear line between temporary relief and permanent reopening, the government said that the power of final de-sealing has been vested exclusively with the Additional Collector-II/Additional District Magistrate-II of the concerned district.
Owners seeking permanent de-sealing will have to apply to the Additional Collector, who will issue an order only after verifying full compliance with the deficiencies flagged by the Safety Audit Committee and upon receiving its recommendation.
“However, anyone aggrieved by the decision of Additional Collector-II/Additional District Magistrate-II can approach the Collector/District Magistrate of the concerned district,” Naik said.
