Teams of officials inspecting the kitchen, staff accommodation and electrical fittings and appliances in a restaurant at Benaulim.
Teams of officials descended on high-end restaurants in Benaulim on Wednesday to examine and verify the permissions granted by the authorities and to check compliance with regulations.
The teams not only reviewed the permissions and licences but also inspected the kitchens, electrical fittings, and appliances installed at the establishments.
One team of officials was specifically assigned to assess the living conditions of the staff and other personnel employed by the restaurants. During a visit to one such restaurant, officials found that while the management had provided cots for the workers, clothes were hung haphazardly throughout the shelter.
The inspection of accommodation facilities has gained significance in light of the recent fire tragedy at the Birch pub, which resulted in the deaths of staff members.
Meanwhile, Colva-based social activist Judith Almeida has submitted a representation to the South Goa District Collector, urging inspections of a few resorts in Colva village. She pointed out that one of the resorts has a basement in violation of CRZ notification.
“During repeated inspections with the GSPCB, I have noted several violations, including the staff quarters, which are sheer human rights violations and which endanger their lives. This tragedy was waiting to happen because no matter how much we complained, it fell on deaf ears,” she said.
She added: “Hotels and the restaurants in temporary structures should be inspected and verified for fire safety provisions. Even the fire brigade will not be able to access some of these areas. There is a hotel along the beach belt where customers are taken via Colva beach since they have no road access”.
