PANAJI: In the aftermath of the Birch by Romeo Lane blaze in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives, the Goa government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward safety violations across the State’s tourism sector.
Addressing a press briefing after a key meeting with Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, senior officials, and tourism stakeholders, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the government will shut down any tourism establishment operating without a fire NOC or basic safety systems. “The Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee has already begun inspections, and action will be taken on the spot,” he said.
Sawant added that the State Disaster Management Authority’s seven-day compliance advisory is now in force, and the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee is visiting clubs and other high-footfall establishments. “Their findings will be sent directly to the Collectors for immediate action,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of a specialised Safety Audit Committee, led by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue), along with senior officials from Buildings, Fire, Electricity, and Finance. “Every establishment must pass a 12-point checklist to continue operating. Fire safety is non-negotiable,” Sawant emphasized.
The government is tightening oversight across clubs, restaurants, beaches, and adventure sports. “Rules for jet skis, parasailing, and other water-sport activities must be followed. Any violation will lead to direct cancellation of licences,” Sawant said.
Hotels and restaurants will now be required to employ only police-verified staff. “Many workers come from outside states without verification. That won’t be allowed anymore,” he said. Excise authorities have been instructed to act against outlets selling alcohol beyond 11 pm, with repeat offenders facing licence cancellations. Sawant also warned that touts and bouncers instigating conflicts with tourists will face strict action. “If there’s an issue, they must call the police. No one can take the law into their own hands,” he added.
Rent-a-car and rent-a-bike operators will also be subject to strict checks. “Those flouting procedures or using unauthorised vehicles will have their licences revoked,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said connectivity issues caused by recent Indigo flight cancellations have been addressed and urged the sector to project confidence as Goa heads into its peak tourism months. “Goa is safe. Goa remains welcoming and open,” he said.
Calling the Birch tragedy “unfortunate,” Khaunte said it should not overshadow decades of trust built in the tourism sector. “Safety cannot be optional,” he added, noting that enforcement against illegal structures will continue. He also confirmed that paragliding operations will resume only after operators meet the newly finalised safety norms. “We have to bounce back. Safety, clarity, and trust are what keep Goa strong,” Khaunte said.
On the Arpora fire investigation, Sawant said the government’s first step was appointing an inquiry committee under the North Goa District Magistrate, which has collected documents from multiple departments and interacted with concerned officials.
Police have made significant progress in the criminal probe. “A Blue Corner Notice has been issued through Interpol, and six arrests have already been made. We will definitely arrest the remaining accused. The police are in touch with central agencies, and they will be caught soon,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister confirmed that four bodies have been sent to Nepal, while the remaining victims have been handed over to their families. Compensation of approximately Rs 85 lakh has been disbursed to the next of kin of 17 victims, with additional payouts in process.
Sawant said action against officials who issued trade licences without construction approvals will follow once the magisterial inquiry report is submitted. “A judicial inquiry will also be considered based on the report’s findings,” he said. He added that the government has completed the demolition of the Romeo Lane structure in Vagator.
He also noted that while two of the three suspended government officers, Shamila Monteiro and Siddhi Halankar, have joined the investigation, Secretary of Arpora-Nagoa VP, Raghuvir Bagkar, has not yet recorded his statement. “If he doesn’t appear, we will arrest him,” Sawant warned.
