Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 8: The recent midnight blaze at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives, has reignited concerns that were raised months earlier in the Goa Legislative Assembly. BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar had repeatedly warned the government about the club’s illegal status, urging immediate intervention.

During a Zero Hour mention on August 6 in the monsoon session, Amonkar criticised authorities for allowing the establishment to operate despite lacking mandatory permissions and facing multiple demolition orders. He even placed documentary evidence before the House, calling for swift action.

According to Amonkar, the nightclub—allegedly developed by Surendra Kumar Khosla—was illegally constructed on ecologically sensitive land comprising paddy fields and salt pans at Survey Nos. 158/0 and 159/0 in Arpora. He pointed out that the area had been backfilled over a natural water body to enable commercial activity, all without approvals from any competent authority.

The MLA informed the Assembly that the local panchayat had issued a demolition notice in April 2024, following similar directions from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and the Town and Country Planning Department. However, the demolition was later stayed, and the case has since remained pending before the Additional Director of Panchayats.

The tragic fire has now put a spotlight on long-ignored violations, raising questions about enforcement failures and the cost of overlooking warnings.