MAPUSA
Facing sharp embarrassment after revelations that fire safety clearances were granted within days to nightclubs sealed for serious violations, the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services on Friday withdrew the fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to Café CO2, citing public safety concerns.
The revocation order was issued by Assistant Divisional Officer (North) Bosco Ferrao, who cancelled the NOC granted to M/s Café CO2 with immediate effect, barely three days after it was issued.
Significantly, Café CO2 had been sealed by a government-appointed Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee on December 14 for failing to obtain mandatory fire safety clearances.
However, records show that the Fire Department issued the NOC on December 16 – just two days after the sealing – raising serious questions about the speed and procedure followed.
Referring to The Goan’s front-page report, Ferrao stated in the revocation order:
“It has been noticed as per the media news dated December 19 that the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee constituted by the government has sealed your premises for non-compliance of safety measures. Therefore, the NOC issued on December 16 is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of public safety.”
Sources within the department said panic set in after the report exposed how swiftly fire clearances were granted to establishments that had been shut down for grave safety lapses.
Senior officials reportedly held emergency meetings to contain the fallout and review the clearances issued.
Officials familiar with the procedure said obtaining a Fire NOC is a multi-step process that typically takes a minimum of one week.
“The applicant has to apply online, submit a complete physical file, after which an inspection is conducted. If deficiencies are found, compliance is sought, followed by a second inspection. Only after all requirements are met is the NOC issued,” a senior official said, adding that the rapid clearance raised “serious internal questions”.
In its Friday edition, The Goan had reported that within days of being sealed, several nightclubs approached the district Collector seeking de-sealing of their premises, claiming they had obtained Fire NOCs after complying with requirements.
Six nightclubs – Clara and Salud at Ozran, Vagator, Mayan Beach Club, Diaz, Club Goya and Café CO2 – were sealed by the joint enforcement committee after inspections revealed major deficiencies in fire prevention systems, emergency preparedness and, in some cases, structural instability.
The speed with which Fire NOCs were allegedly issued triggered outrage among residents and activists, who questioned whether mandatory inspections and due processes were bypassed.
Following public scrutiny and media exposure, the Fire and Emergency Services Directorate moved swiftly to revoke the controversial NOCs, indicating damage-control measures within the department.
Further scrutiny of fire clearances issued to other sealed nightclubs is now expected.
