Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Dec 11: The Magisterial Inquiry Committee probing the devastating Arpora nightclub fire—which claimed 25 lives—has demanded detailed documentation from multiple government bodies to understand how permissions were granted to Birch by Romeo Lane despite the absence of a valid construction licence.
The committee, headed by North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav, has written to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), and the Directorate of Panchayats seeking all records of site inspections, permissions issued, and the basis for granting them.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently stated that the nightclub had no construction licence, and that permissions were granted solely on the basis of a trade licence issued by the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat.
Sources revealed that in March 2024, the GSPCB had issued a Consent to Operate under the Air and Water Pollution Acts. Since the club was categorised as a green industry, the permit was valid until 2039.
Meanwhile, citing the CZMP 2011, the GCZMA had just last month declared the controversial club “legal,” dismissing multiple complaints regarding environmental violations. Member Secretary Sachin Desai noted that the structures fell outside the Coastal Regulation Zone, thereby ruling out any CRZ breach.
The Directorate of Panchayats is also under scrutiny after it stayed the local panchayat’s demolition order issued in April against the nightclub — a decision now being questioned in light of the tragedy.
The Inquiry Committee has been tasked with examining the chain of events leading to the deadly blaze, identifying lapses, and fixing accountability on the departments or individuals responsible. It will also verify compliance with all required licences.
The committee has been empowered to seek any document or summon officials for questioning. Its members include Superintendent of Police (South) Tikam Singh Verma, Director of Forensic Sciences Ashutosh Apte, and Deputy Director of Fire & Emergency Services Rajendra Haldankar.