The devastating fire at Club Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, which claimed at least 25 lives and possibly more, is a grim reminder of how far our systems have decayed. While the cause of the fire must be identified, it cannot become a convenient shield to hide the larger questions. How did a club that reportedly had no construction licence operate openly. Why was it allowed to function even for a single day. A demolition order and an appeal do not automatically grant the right to run a business. Permissions to operate in any structure, legal or illegal, require scrutiny. Which authorities cleared these operations. On what documents. And was money paid along the way.
This is not the first time appellate authorities have issued mechanical stay orders without proper reasoning. Such orders often allow illegal establishments to continue business for years while cases drag on. The pattern is familiar and troubling. It suggests a system where rules are bent, enforcement is selective and officials look the other way.
Fire safety is another area where responsibility ends with issuing an NOC. A certificate means little if there is no follow through. Who checks compliance. Who ensures that exits are clear, equipment is functional and safety norms are honoured. Inspections should not begin only after a tragedy. Owners, operators and government departments must all be held accountable, not just the most visible faces after a disaster.
The Chief Minister has announced an inquiry, but a probe limited to the cause of fire will fall short of what the public deserves. The state must answer whether similar illegal establishments will be sealed and whether political connections will continue to protect violators. Anything less will further erode trust.
Images circulating online show the club standing almost in the middle of a water body. If this is accurate, the questions grow sharper. How did such construction begin. Who permitted it. How many departments ignored their own rules. No illegal outlet can operate without political blessing, from bottom to top.
The public must also reflect on the tone of the official response. The Tourism Minister described this tragedy as an “episode”, a choice of words that shows a disturbing lack of sensitivity. The DGP initially spoke of a cylinder blast, raising doubts about the information given to him and the competence of those passing it on. Now there are reports of an electric pyro gun triggering the blaze. The shifting explanations reveal confusion rather than clarity.
The Panchayat, Excise and Fire Departments all had responsibilities they failed to uphold. If the Panchayat is aligned with the ruling party, the Government cannot distance itself from these failures. Goa has seen enough of internal inquiries that end up protecting the powerful. That is why I demand a judicial inquiry by a retired judge.
Goa cannot afford such tragedies. This was not just a fire. It was a collapse of governance. And it is time the administration wakes up before more lives are lost.
