Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), under the leadership of its convenor Sabina Martins, has announced a public protest at Azad Maidan on December 19, pressing the State government to fix responsibility for the deadly fire at the Arpora nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane that resulted in 25 deaths.
Speaking at a media briefing held at Azad Maidan on Sunday, Martins along with other GBA members charged the government and the administrative machinery with failing to act against rampant violations, which they alleged ultimately led to the tragedy.
Describing the incident as a preventable catastrophe, Martins said the fire was the outcome of negligence rather than chance. She stated that the protest would not only demand accountability but also commemorate those who lost their lives.
“The loss of 25 lives cannot be brushed aside as misfortune. Each death reflects institutional failure and neglect of duty,” Martins said.
The GBA alleged serious shortcomings in licensing procedures, fire safety compliance and enforcement, claiming that the establishment continued operations despite repeated complaints and known violations.
Raising questions over governance, one activist asked how such an establishment was permitted to function unchecked and criticised what they termed a breakdown in routine administrative oversight.
The Arpora incident, considered one of the most severe fire tragedies in the State, has led to a magisterial probe and the arrest of some club employees. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured action, but civil society organisations contend that deeper, systemic issues have yet to be addressed.
The protest gains added significance as it comes a day ahead of the Zilla Panchayat elections scheduled for December 20. While opposition parties have joined in demanding responsibility, the ruling BJP-MGP alliance maintains that investigations are in progress.
Martins said the movement was centred on governance and public safety rather than politics.
“This is fundamentally about protecting Goans and restoring faith in our institutions. Commercial interests and political considerations cannot be allowed to come before human lives,” she said.
The December 19 demonstration is expected to see participation from activists, local residents and various civil society groups, potentially setting up a major face-off between citizens and the government.
