PANAJI: Director of Fire & Emergency Services Dr. Nitin V. Raiker on Tuesday said the department has not granted any fire safety permission to the dormitory allegedly operating from a shop at the Panaji KTC Bus Stand, and assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted.
Responding to the controversy, Raiker said the Fire & Emergency Services Department had not issued any clearance for the dormitory and suggested that the permission may have been granted by the Tourism Department.
“According to my knowledge, we have not granted any permission. I came to know about this only recently. The Tourism Department may have given them permission,” Raiker told reporters.
When asked whether the incident could lead to another tragedy similar to the Birch case, Raiker said that after the Birch incident, the department has ensured that establishments do not bypass mandatory fire safety permissions. He, however, acknowledged that prior to the Birch incident, several establishments had operated without obtaining the required fire clearances.
Raiker said the department will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The issue came to light after GOACAN on Monday alleged that a dormitory was operating from a shop at the Panaji KTC Bus Stand, raising serious fire safety concerns. The Tourism Department has since stated that it will inspect the premises and order its closure if mandatory requirements, including a Fire NOC, have not been complied with.
