PANAJI
In another development, the Goa government has constituted a Safety Audit Committee to frame Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for conducting comprehensive safety audits and for granting licences to tourism-related establishments.
The committee, chaired by Revenue Secretary Sandip Jacques (IAS), includes Deputy Inspector General of Police Varsha Sharma (IPS), Joint Secretary (Finance) Pranab Bhat, Chief Engineer (Buildings), PWD, Sandip Chodnekar, and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services Rajendra Haldankar. The panel has been asked to submit its report within a month.
“In view of the tragic fire incident that occurred at nightclub the Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora, resulting in unfortunate deaths, the government hereby constitutes Safety Audit Committee...to devise SOPs for carrying out comprehensive safety audit and SOPs for granting of various licenses to all nightclubs, bars, restaurants, event venues and similar tourist establishments in the State of Goa,” reads the order by Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Manoj Niak.
The Committee has been tasked with assessing the mandatory licenses, approvals and safety norms including fire NOC, structural stability certificate, electrical safety and other such requirements for the functioning of the establishment. Likewise, it will also recommend critical safety infrastructure, firefighting equipment, emergency exits, electrical wiring, crowd control measures and evacuation plans which shall be adhered to by establishments for their operation.
“The committee shall identify violations or deficiencies and recommend SOPs for corrective measures for the safe functioning of these establishments. Committee shall have powers to co-opt expert members if required,” the order further said.
