Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: In a decisive move prompted by mounting safety fears, the South Goa District Magistrate has issued a 60-day ban on the use of indoor fireworks and pyrotechnic devices across all tourist and entertainment establishments in the district. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, comes into force from December 9, 2025.
The directive follows a report submitted by the Superintendent of Police (South), highlighting the “serious and imminent risk” posed by the use of fireworks, sparklers, flame/smoke effects, and similar devices inside enclosed venues such as nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, beach shacks, temporary event structures and other entertainment spaces.
According to the police report, indoor deployment of such devices significantly increases the chances of fires, stampede-like situations, dense smoke accumulation, disruption of public order, injuries, and obstruction to safe evacuation—necessitating immediate preventive action.
District Magistrate Egna Cleetus, IAS, noted that the circumstances warranted urgent intervention to prevent potential danger to human life and property. The order prohibits bursting, ignition or operation of any pyrotechnic or fire-generating devices inside tourist or entertainment establishments throughout South Goa.
The ban also extends to event managers, organizers, individuals, hotels, institutions and all tourist establishments using such devices indoors. However, the order provides an exception: the District Magistrate or an authorised officer may grant prior written permission for indoor pyrotechnics if applicants submit a detailed safety and risk-mitigation plan along with all required compliance documents.
The order has been issued ex-parte, citing the urgency and the impracticality of individually serving all affected persons. It will remain in force for 60 days, unless withdrawn earlier.
Violation of the directive will attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Magistrates have been empowered to verify breaches and file FIRs. The Superintendent of Police (South) has been instructed to alert police stations and ensure compliance.
The order comes amid growing public scrutiny of safety standards in entertainment venues, especially after recent fire-related incidents across the state.
