Monitoring, audit panels to enforce norms; CM warns of licence cancellations, shutdowns, and demolition of illegal constructions
PANAJI
In the wake of the devastating nightclub inferno in Arpora that claimed 25 lives and exposed serious safety lapses across Goa’s tourism belt, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday issued a stern warning that tourist establishments flouting fire-safety norms will face licence cancellation, operational shutdown, and even demolition if found to be part of illegal construction.
Sawant convened a high-level review meeting with district collectors of North and South Goa, senior police officials, the tourism department, and industry stakeholders, alongside Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, to tighten regulatory oversight ahead of the busy Christmas–New Year tourist season.
Addressing the media persons after the meeting, the Chief Minister confirmed formation of a Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee as well as a Safety Audit Committee, who have already begun inspecting hotels, shacks, clubs, and other tourism-related establishments across the State.
Sawant cautioned that strict punitive action will follow if any violations are detected. “If the committee finds an establishment non-compliant with fire safety requirements, operations will be halted immediately. Licences will be revoked and premises sealed until full compliance is achieved,” he said adding ‘while demolishing all those illegal constructions too’.
The Chief Minister stated that inspection reports would be submitted shortly, after which the government would implement corrective measures based entirely on the committees’ findings. An advisory has already been issued to all operators, and the State aims to complete the safety audit within seven days.
Sawant emphasised that the stepped-up enforcement is intended to prevent a repeat of the Arpora tragedy during Goa’s peak tourist season, a period marked by exceptionally high footfall and greater challenges in maintaining safety standards.
The government will also tighten regulations for water sports and adventure tourism, sectors that witness a surge in activity during the year-end holidays. Additionally, tourism operators have been instructed to ensure their staffs do not engage in physical altercations with tourists.
Mandatory police verification of all employees has also been made compulsory, with Sawant noting that several incidents in the past involved workers with questionable backgrounds.
In another significant decision, the government has resolved to revoke driving licences of individuals renting out their private vehicles to tourists, a practice authorities said often bypasses safety checks and legal requirements.
Nightclub fire: Govt mulls judicial probe after magisterial report
PANAJI: The State government may opt for a judicial inquiry into the Arpora nightclub fire once the Magisterial Committee submits its report.
Responding to media questions, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the government will look into that aspect (judicial probe) once the magisterial inquiry is complete. “We have granted eight days to the committee to submit the report,” he said.
Sawant said that the investigation is going on and the police are in touch with the Central investigating agencies. “I am confident that the main accused – Luthra brothers would be arrested soon,” he said.
In yet another question, Sawant asserted that strict action would be taken against any officer “whether IAS or IPS” if found exerting pressure to allow the continuation of illegal activities at the club. “If there is evidence against anyone we will take action,” he maintained.
Sawant maintained that the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub did not have any construction permission, and all the permissions granted were based on the trade licence issued by the local panchayat.
He also said that the suspended Arpora-Nagoa VP secretary Raghuvir Bagkar will be arrested if he fails to appear before the police for questioning.
