PANJIM: Director of Fire and Emergency Services (FES) Nitin Raikar on Wednesday clarified that no fresh Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been issued to clubs previously sealed for safety violations. Speaking to reporters, Raikar said the department is currently conducting a detailed audit of such establishments, verifying compliance with mandatory fire safety norms. Addressing reports that some clubs have resumed operations despite lacking fire clearance, Raikar emphasised that no establishment can reopen without a compulsory reinspection by the Fire Department. “We have not granted permission to any club to reopen. Even if an establishment claims to have rectified deficiencies, a re-inspection by the Fire Department is mandatory before operations can resume, and that has not been done,” he stated.
Raikar noted that several establishments had displayed negligence despite repeated reminders and follow-ups from the department regarding compliance with fire safety regulations. Responding to specific queries about Birch by Romeo Lane, the Arpora nightclub involved in a recent tragic fire, Raikar categorically confirmed that the club was operating without any approval from the Fire Department. “Birch by Romeo Lane did not have any permission. This has been stated earlier as well. The Fire Department did not grant any approval to the establishment,” he said.
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The Director’s statement reinforces that reopening of clubs without proper NOCs and re-inspections is strictly prohibited. Authorities continue to monitor and audit nightclubs and similar establishments across Goa to ensure adherence to safety protocols. Raikar further under-scored that the ongoing audit aims to identify violations and enforce corrective action, preventing any recurrence of incidents caused by non-compliance. The FES remains vigilant in ensuring that all operational clubs fully comply with statutory fire safety standards before being allowed to resume activities.
The department’s strict stance comes amid heightened scrutiny of Goa’s nightlife safety regulations following recent incidents, signalling zero tolerance for establishments flouting fire safety norms.
