A devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, which claimed 23 lives, has certainly shaken Goa and exposed massive failures in oversight and governance. Calling it a “man-made tragedy,” Goa Forward Party chief Vijay Sardesai said the incident reflects a dangerous pattern that has been ignored for far too long.
Arpora is not an isolated tragedy. It is a stark reminder of an administration in complete collapse. Good governance does not mean turning a blind eye while tourist hubs operate without basic safety norms.
A truck loaded with liquor gets intercepted, yet the excise system seems to be asleep.
A shack catches fire while allegedly operating without proper fire-safety measures. Where was the fire department?
Robberies, dacoities, murders, kidnappings… public security is eroding, and the police machinery appears overwhelmed or unresponsive.
And there is another disturbing layer. The local Sarpanch has stated that the demolition order for the club was stayed by higher authorities. Many panchayat demolition orders reportedly meet the same fate. Citizens are even approaching the High Court for directions to ensure timely disposal of such matters.
This pattern raises serious concerns about systemic dysfunction, not isolated mistakes.
Given the scale of regulatory failure and the tragic loss of life, a judicial probe led by a retired judge is essential to restore trust and ensure accountability.
The Arpora inferno did not just ‘happen’. It was allowed to happen. Twenty-three lives were lost amid allegations of administrative apathy and regulatory lapses. Goa deserves better than this circus of incompetence. This government has lost every shred of moral mandate” . Sardesai said
