THURSDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026

If club demolition notice was issued, why was stay granted?

Tourists have always considered Goa a very safe destination. The Arpora night club fire has sparked anger with many accusing authorities of corruption and negligence.  Issuing permission without any proper verification including fire licence to 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub at Arpora to start its operations in 2023 is also one of the reasons for this tragedy. The operators and officials who permitted this club's operation should be charged with culpable homicide. First-of-all rules are poorly framed.  If notice was issued for its demolition, why the stay was granted?  Safety is on toss everywhere because fire and safety audit is done only after the incident. The fire tragedies are frequently the result of a combination of human lapses, negligence, and lack of enforcement of safety standards. Safety has become luxury in Goa.  Citizens have pointed to a history of similar incidents, such as fatal road accidents and other safety issues, suggesting that the deaths of common people are repeatedly ignored by those in power.




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Systemic failure exposed in Goa’s licensing regime

GREGORY FERNANDES, Mumbai
Published Dec 8, 2025, 6:50 PM IST
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The terrible fire that broke out at a nightclub in Goa’s Arpora claiming over 25 lives, has put on display a harsh reality of illegalities of Goa’s nightlife scene.  Reportedly, the club operated the business without valid permissions and in gross violation of fire safety norms.  To compound the woes, the temporary construction erected with palm leaves  made the whole establishment a tinderbox. In fact, tourist belts like Anjuna“Vagator“Arpora, operate with…

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