Following the tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, fire safety experts have issued a stark warning, stating that the very design and operation of nightclubs in Goa make them inherently prone to fire disasters, with enforcement of safety rules being critically weak or absent.
"Most Nightclubs Are Fire Hazards": Officials Cite Alarming Lapses
A senior officer from the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) delivered a blunt assessment, telling TOI, "To be honest, most nightclubs are fire hazards." The core of the problem, according to officials, is that a majority of these venues operate without obtaining the mandatory No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department.
Nitin Raiker, Director of Fire and Emergency Services, highlighted a specific and recurring danger. "Fireworks without proper isolation distances present a severe and unacceptable fire risk," he stated. Pyrotechnics used during performances have historically been a common trigger for deadly nightclub fires worldwide.
Why Nightclub Design is a Recipe for Disaster
The fundamental nature of these entertainment spaces sets the stage for potential catastrophe. Experts point to several dangerous factors:
- Combustible Materials: Soundproofing foam, decorative fabrics, and other furnishings allow flames to spread with terrifying speed.
- Disorienting Environment: Loud music, strobe lights, low visibility, alcohol, and smoke machines can confuse and panic patrons during an emergency.
- Crowd Dynamics: In a packed, euphoric crowd, a fire can quickly spark a stampede towards often inadequate exits.
- Deadly Basements: DFES documents flag basements as high-risk zones due to poor ventilation, restricted escape routes, and rapid buildup of toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.
Compounding these risks is the frequent absence of automatic fire sprinkler systems, which research proves are highly effective in controlling blazes early.
Laws Exist, But Compliance and Enforcement Are Missing
Goa's nightclubs are supposed to be governed by a framework of laws including the Goa Fire and Emergency Services Act, the Goa (Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction) Act, 2008 & Regulations, 2010, and The Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.
These regulations mandate fire exits, proper ventilation, adherence to building codes, and clear access points. Specifically, the law requires any commercial structure over 15 meters in height to obtain a fire NOC before operation.
However, the prevailing sentiment among experts is that most nightclubs fail to comply with these established norms. The recent tragedy at Arpora underscores that without rigorous and consistent enforcement, the legal framework provides little protection against the ever-present threat of fire in these popular venues.
