Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives, has triggered sweeping inspections across Goa’s coastal belt and ignited a sharp political confrontation in the Assembly, with the Opposition demanding a CBI inquiry and fixation of political responsibility, while the government insists firm action is already underway.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant informed the House that following the tragedy, the government launched inspections of coastal establishments statewide. In North Goa, 47 establishments were checked and 17 sealed, while in South Goa, 39 establishments were inspected and five sealed. In all, 86 establishments were inspected and 22 sealed for operating without mandatory fire NOCs and Consent to Operate. “This action is serious and ongoing,” the Chief Minister said.
Clarifying the government’s stand on nightlife operations, Sawant stated that no separate permissions are granted for nightclubs in Goa. “Licences are issued only for restaurants, and excise permission is valid only up to 12 midnight. Some establishments are operating as nightclubs under the guise of restaurants. This will not be allowed,” he asserted, adding that no CRZ violations would be tolerated and the law would apply equally to all, including VVIPs and VIPs.
On the Arpora panchayat’s role, the Chief Minister said the government has the authority under panchayat rules to dismiss a Sarpanch. “In the Arpora case, the Sarpanch had signed all the documents and granted the trade licence, based on which other permissions were issued,” Sawant said, adding that action has already been taken against the Panchayat Secretary for violating CC Rules and failing to act as per law.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao launched a scathing attack on the government, repeatedly demanding a CBI inquiry into what he termed the “murder of 25 innocent people.” Alemao said a magisterial inquiry conducted by government officials was insufficient and sought an assurance that political responsibility would be fixed and the concerned ministers sacked. “Accountability has to be established. This tragedy has damaged Goa’s international image,” he warned.
Alemao also questioned why the magisterial inquiry report on the Birch fire has not been made public and demanded that it be tabled in the House. Responding, Sawant said the report would be placed only after the chargesheet is filed, as the matter is sub judice. The Opposition, however, continued to press for its immediate publication.
Raising further concerns, Alemao asked how many nightclubs are currently operating in Goa and what concrete action the government plans to take. He also referred to clubs allegedly owned by actor Shilpa Shetty, questioning how many such establishments continue to operate without being sealed.
Adding another dimension to the debate, MLA Carlos Ferreira pointed out that the Birch fire site allegedly falls on a salt pan and within the CRZ. Sawant countered this claim, stating that the area is not under CRZ and is classified as a settlement in the Regional Plan 2021, while assuring action against any officials found responsible for lapses.
Meanwhile, MLA Venzy Viegas alleged that no show-cause notices were issued to Birch and to Shilpa Shetty’s Bastion despite sealing and demolition orders, giving violators time to “cover gaps” before action.
