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A magisterial inquiry into the tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa exposes expired licences, ignored warnings, illegal construction, and multiple administrative lapses that contributed to the loss of 25 lives.
Fire killed 25 people including employees and tourists.
Goa: A four-member magisterial panel investigating the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, has released its findings, exposing significant negligence by local authorities. The tragic blaze, which claimed 25 lives, has highlighted a chain of systemic failures involving the local panchayat, Goa Pollution Control Board, and Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.
The inquiry revealed that the club’s trade licence had expired in March 2024, yet operations continued unchecked. While the panchayat had issued a demolition order, no action was taken within the stipulated timeframe before a stay order came into effect. The property has been in existence since 1996, hosting two restaurants prior to the nightclub. Officials pointed out that multiple licenses and approvals were issued over the years, including trade, excise, food safety, pollution board permissions, and three separate NOCs, raising questions about oversight and accountability.
Investigators found that construction had occurred in an eco-sensitive area, specifically a salt pan zone, without obtaining an occupancy certificate. Despite written complaints regarding Coastal Regulation Zone violations and unauthorized construction, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority failed to take effective action. This points to a long-standing pattern of regulatory neglect, which the inquiry identifies as a key factor in the tragedy.
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The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane on that fateful day resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals, including 20 employees and five tourists. Six others were injured in the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that fireworks may have triggered the blaze. Fire officials noted that most victims died from suffocation, as the limited exit points and a narrow access bridge made evacuation extremely difficult. Rescue operations were hampered by the layout of the building, emphasizing critical safety lapses in emergency preparedness.
The magisterial report points to a systemic failure spanning decades, including the issuance of multiple NOCs and approvals without proper verification, ineffective monitoring of eco-sensitive zones, and poor enforcement of safety regulations. The inquiry underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability among local authorities and government departments to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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The inquiry has raised serious questions about the accountability of local authorities and regulatory bodies. The panchayat’s failure to act on expired licences, the Pollution Control Board’s inaction, and the Coastal Zone Management Authority’s neglect of written complaints all highlight gaps in governance and enforcement mechanisms. Officials are now expected to review procedures and take corrective measures to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
