Goa Fire Tragedy Uncovers Systemic Violations and Environmental Risks
In the aftermath of the devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, Goa, in December, which claimed 25 lives, a magisterial inquiry has brought to light severe regulatory breaches by establishments in the area. The investigation has particularly focused on Birch restaurant, which is now found to have deliberately under-reported its seating capacity to 150 to evade the mandatory installation of a sewage treatment plant (STP).
Under-Reporting Seating Capacity to Bypass Environmental Norms
The inquiry committee discovered that Birch restaurant falsified its seating numbers to avoid setting up an STP, a move that not only violates legal norms but also poses significant risks to local ecosystems. By under-reporting, the establishment circumvented requirements that would have mandated proper waste management, potentially leading to water contamination in the nearby saltpans where it was constructed.
The committee emphasized that this practice is not isolated, warning that similar violations might be widespread in coastal and densely populated areas of Goa. It has urged the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to launch an intensive verification drive to identify other establishments that may have obtained consents through similar deceit.
Superficial Inspections and Calls for Digital Reform
Further findings from the inquiry revealed that inspections conducted prior to the fire were "superficial" and lacked critical details necessary for informed decision-making. In response, the committee has recommended the implementation of a robust digital reporting system. This system would include geo-tagged photographs for all site inspections to ensure thorough documentation and accountability.
The committee also advised the GSPCB to apply the "polluter pays" principle, seeking compensation from violators like Birch for any environmental damages, particularly if water quality deterioration is confirmed through ongoing scientific studies.
Revoked Consents and Ongoing Investigations
Following the tragic incident, the consent granted to Birch under the Water Act and Air Act, valid until January 31, 2039, was revoked on December 17, 2025. Additionally, the GSPCB has suspended one scientific assistant and one junior environmental engineer for their roles in unlawfully granting the consent. An inquiry into their conduct is currently underway.
Based on Central Groundwater Authority guidelines, which estimate water consumption at 70 liters per seat for restaurant kitchens, Birch's reported 150 seats would translate to a water usage of 10.5 kiloliters per day (KLD) and wastewater output of 8.4 KLD. The committee suspects that many consents may have been issued with under-reported seating capacities to avoid STP installation, prompting a re-inspection of all such permissions.
Broader Crackdown and Environmental Assessments
In the wake of the Birch fire, the GSPCB has initiated a verification drive, resulting in the sealing of 14 establishments for violations of operating consents. The board is also conducting a scientific study to assess water quality deterioration along the stretch where Birch was located, including comparative analyses with other saltpans in the area.
This case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations in Goa to prevent future tragedies and protect sensitive ecological zones from irreversible damage.
