SPOTLIGHT | Fire tragedy triggers safety clampdown

MAPUSA
In the aftermath of the fatal fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, the State government has launched a Statewide crackdown on tourism establishments, particularly along the coastal belt, to verify compliance with mandatory safety and licensing norms.
As part of the drive, authorities have so far sealed seven establishments “ six in North Goa and one in South Goa “ for violations ranging from lack of fire safety clearances to structural instability and unsafe operating conditions.
The government has ordered a comprehensive fire safety audit of all tourism-related establishments and constituted joint enforcement and monitoring committees in each district.
Safety violations
These committees, comprising officials from multiple departments, have been tasked with inspecting premises and initiating sealing action wherever serious violations are detected.
The first establishments to be sealed were Club Goya and Café CO2 at Vagator. Officials cited serious concerns over structural stability, with inspections also flagging the use of fireworks inside the premises, a major safety hazard.
Action was subsequently taken against Diaz nightclub at Anjuna after the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services revoked the fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the establishment.
Authorities found that the club’s fire prevention and firefighting systems were grossly inadequate, requiring immediate upgradation. The inspection also revealed an insufficient number of fire extinguishers, rendering the premises unsafe for public use.
The latest round of enforcement saw the sealing of Clara, Salud, and Mayan Beach Club, located in Vagator and Anjuna.
According to officials, Mayan Beach Club and Salud were operating without any fire safety NOC, while Clara lacked both a structural stability certificate and proper access for fire tenders, violating basic emergency response norms.
Action in South Goa
In South Goa, authorities sealed The Cape Goa hotel, which was operating on the Cabo de Rama hill under a temporary shack licence, a violation of the conditions governing such permissions.
Government officials said inspections are ongoing across major tourism hubs, including Pernem, Calangute, Candolim, Nerul, Baga, Arpora, Vagator, Panaji and Anjuna, as part of the intensified enforcement drive.
Officials maintained that the action is aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing a repeat of tragedies such as the Birch by Romeo Lane fire, even as the crackdown brings renewed scrutiny on regulatory compliance within Goa’s nightlife and tourism sector.