by Goa Govt Cracks Down After Arpora Fire: Suspended Officer Missing, 6 Arrests, Illegal Tourism Businesses to Be Shut
PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has announced a major crackdown on unsafe and unauthorized tourism establishments in the aftermath of the catastrophic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora. Sawant said the government will shut down any tourism business operating without a fire NOC or essential safety systems, adding that the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee has already begun on-site inspections. “Immediate action will follow wherever violations are found,” he warned.
PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has announced a major crackdown on unsafe and unauthorized tourism establishments in the aftermath of the catastrophic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora. Sawant said the government will shut down any tourism business operating without a fire NOC or essential safety systems, adding that the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee has already begun on-site inspections. “Immediate action will follow wherever violations are found,” he warned.
The Chief Minister, along with Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday with district officials, police, and tourism stakeholders to assess the situation and enforce stricter safety measures across Goa’s tourism belt.
Giving an update on the probe, Sawant confirmed that two of the three suspended officials — Shamila Monteiro and Siddhi Halankar — have appeared before the investigation officers.
However, Arpora–Nagoa Panchayat Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar has not yet recorded his statement. Sawant issued a stern warning, stating that Bagkar will be arrested if he continues to evade investigators.
So far, six arrests have been made in connection with the nightclub fire. Sawant assured that every individual involved in the tragedy will face strict action. Preliminary findings show that the Birch establishment operated without construction licenses and only held a trade license issued by the panchayat.
The Chief Minister further said that Goa Police are coordinating with central agencies to track down the remaining absconding accused at the earliest.
Sawant reiterated that the government is prepared to order a judicial inquiry once the Magisterial report is submitted. If the findings point to wider administrative failures, additional officials will also face notices and action.
Emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance stance, Sawant said that all illegal constructions will be demolished. He added that stringent measures are being rolled out to prevent safety lapses, crowd-related risks, and road accidents during the peak tourist season.
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