The Goa government has intensified its crackdown on establishments flouting safety norms, sealing three prominent clubs in the popular tourist belts of Anjuna and Vagator on Tuesday. This decisive action comes in the wake of a tragic incident that claimed multiple lives earlier.
Clubs Sealed for Critical Safety Lapses
The sealed premises include Mayan Beach Club, Clara Beach Haven, and Salud. According to a senior government official, the closures were enforced due to severe regulatory breaches. Both Salud and Mayan Beach Club were operating without a crucial No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the directorate of fire services. Clara Beach Haven was found lacking a structural stability certificate and, alarmingly, had no access route for fire tenders, posing a significant risk in case of an emergency.
Post-Tragedy Crackdown and Widespread Inspections
This enforcement drive is a direct consequence of the deadly fire at an Arpora nightclub, which resulted in the loss of 25 lives. Following that incident, the state government constituted five special committees to scrutinize violations across the coastal belt. The campaign is ongoing and wide-reaching.
Just a day before the latest seals, on Monday, authorities shut down The Cape Goa, an upmarket hotel operating on a temporary shack licence on the Cabo de Rama hill face in South Goa. Government teams are actively inspecting nightclubs and other venues operating without proper permissions in several key areas, including:
- Pernem, Calangute, and Candolim
- Nerul, Baga, and Arpora
- Vagator, Panaji, and Anjuna
Committee Focus: Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The special committees are conducting thorough checks, focusing on critical safety parameters. Their mandate involves verifying whether clubs have obtained all necessary permissions from the fire department and ensuring compliance with fire safety measures. The review process encompasses essential safety systems, emergency preparedness plans, and overall adherence to mandated norms. The committees are empowered to issue on-the-spot directions when lapses are identified, leading to immediate remedial action or closure.
This sustained campaign signals the government's serious intent to prevent future tragedies by enforcing strict compliance with safety regulations, especially in high-risk hospitality zones frequented by tourists and locals alike.
