PANAJI
The State government has dissolved the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee constituted to inspect tourism-related establishments, including nightclubs, bars and restaurants, following the fatal Birch by Romeo Lane fire. It has also directed authorities to conduct fresh scrutiny of establishments before taking action based on earlier inspection reports.
Following the tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora that killed 25 people in December last year, the government had constituted the enforcement committee, headed by senior civil servants, to ensure strict compliance with fire safety norms and other statutory requirements at tourism-related establishments and take action against violators.
Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Naik, through an order, has dissolved the committee with immediate effect. The order also directs authorities not to proceed mechanically on the basis of the committee’s earlier recommendations.
The committee had inspected several clubs and other establishments and initiated action in a number of cases. Its reports and recommendations were forwarded to the concerned departments, local bodies and other authorities for further action, including rectification of deficiencies, renewal of licences and compliance with legal requirements.
The government order states that whenever action is proposed based on the earlier committee reports, the present status of the establishment and its current legal compliance must first be verified. This means establishments cannot be proceeded against merely because they were found deficient during an earlier inspection.
As per an earlier order issued in April, powers relating to the enforcement and monitoring of tourism establishments were vested with the Additional District Magistrate-II concerned. These officers will now be responsible for assessing the current status and legal compliance of establishments and deciding on further action.
