A devastating fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa has claimed 25 lives, sending shockwaves through the state's tourism industry and raising serious questions about regulatory failures. The blaze broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub located in Arpora, turning a night of revelry into a tragedy.
Tourism Body Expresses Outrage and Demands Accountability
The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has reacted with shock and anger to the incident. The association is demanding strict accountability not just from the nightclub's management but also from government officials who may have allowed the establishment to operate illegally.
TTAG President Jack Sukhija stated that reports indicate the premises were running without proper permissions, as suggested by the Chief Minister's statement. "We are appalled and shocked as to how such illegal businesses are running without proper permissions and safety precautions in Goa," Sukhija said. He warned that this is not an isolated case and that more such illegal businesses are operating in the state.
Systemic Failure and Call for Immediate Action
The tragedy has dealt a severe blow to Goa's reputation as a safe nightlife and tourism destination. The industry body is now calling for immediate and stringent action against all parties responsible for allowing the club to flout norms and function in breach of critical safety regulations.
"TTAG would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in this tragedy," Sukhija expressed. He emphasized that accountability must extend beyond the venue owner. "Those who are responsible, apart from the venue owner and management, including govt officials in various positions and departments, who have turned a blind eye to such illegalities must be held accountable," he asserted.
Scrutiny Intensifies and Government Response
The fire has triggered widespread condemnation and intensified scrutiny over the oversight of Goa's thriving nightlife industry. In response to the catastrophe, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a fire safety audit of all nightclubs in the state.
Sukhija stressed the non-negotiable nature of safety protocols. "Sufficient safety precautions must be followed as per the law to ensure such an unfortunate incident does not happen again," he said. He urged the government to ensure all officials perform their duties diligently without compromising on safety standards.
Echoing the sentiment, tourism stakeholder Gaurav Kerekar highlighted the broader impact. "Basic expectations like safety, order, and support must be prioritised. When these fail, the entire tourism image takes a hit," Kerekar said. He added a stark warning: "Visitors shouldn't suffer because leadership ignores issues."
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of regulatory lapses and illegal operations, putting the spotlight firmly on the need for systemic reform to protect both lives and Goa's vital tourism economy.
