In a stern crack down following a massive pre-dawn fire that gutted seven shacks at Khalchawa da, Arambol, Pernem Dep uty Collector Shivprasad Naik warned that establish ments operating without fire No Objection Certifi cates (NOCs) will face FIRs and be denied government compensation. The warning follows a joint inspection on Satur day that exposed a total col lapse of safety standards in Arambol. Officials revealed the findings were “alarm ing,” noting that not a single shack at the blaze site was equipped with a fire extin guisher. The inspection team, comprising the Deputy Col lector, Mamlatdar, Talathi, Fire Department officials, and the panchayat secre tary, visited the site to eval uate safety preparedness. Speaking to reporters, Naik said the visit primarily aimed at understanding the cause of the fire. “Luckily, there were no casualties, but it could have been another Arpora fire incident-like sit uation. It could have turned serious, but fortunately it did not. People were saved, and we should be thankful,” he said. However, he stressed that the incident exposed deep er systemic issues. “What is important is that the hap hazard construction taking place here—whether tem porary or permanent—is happening with the bless ings of the panchayat. The panchayat has failed to act on such activities. They were supposed to enforce their powers and take ac tion, but they did not. This is clear from the inspection carried out today,” he said. The deputy collec tor said, “The panchayat members are telling me that they will take action against other shacks. The panchayat should not give licenses to anyone nor should allow such things to happen. There are restau rants which have been sub let or sub-leased and again they use them haphazardly. They do not think of safe ty measures. One estab lishment here was found with a fire extinguisher. I doubt even that had any NOC. If they are operating without a fire NOC then their operations should be stopped immediately, and an FIR should be registered against them for putting people’s lives at risk.” He also clarified that only legally operating establish ments would be eligible for compensation, while those functioning illegally cannot expect government relief.
The inspection follows a major fire that broke out in the early hours of April 4, 2026, at Khalchawada in Arambol, destroying six to seven private beach shacks and causing significant property loss. No casualties or injuries were re ported. According to local sources, the blaze erupted around 3:20 am and spread rapidly due to the close proximity of the structures. While the exact cause remains under inves tigation, a short circuit is suspected. Local MLA Jit Arolkar rushed to the site and alerted the fire department, police, and the Chief Minister. Firefighters, assisted by local residents, battled the flames for nearly two hours before bringing the situation under control and preventing further damage. Naik’s remarks have brought regulatory lapses into sharp focus, raising concerns over public safety in one of Goa’s popular tourist destinations. Authorities are now ex pected to step up enforcement and ensure stricter compli ance to prevent such incidents in the future.
