Fire-hit Goa nightclub operated under different names, probe to cover violations since 1999: CM Sawant

Overview On January 16, 2026 , Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a probe into the operations of the nightclub 'Birch by Romeo Lane' , which was gutted in a fire last month, resulting in 25 fatalities. The investigation will focus on violations dating back to 1999 , examining how the establishment operated under different names over the years. The government has also initiated a crackdown on tourism establishments operating without the necessary permits, emphasizing that no VIP protection will be provided to violators. Key Developments Probe Initiation: Investigation into 'Birch by Romeo Lane' violations since 1999 . Crackdown on Illegal Establishments: Extensive action against tourism businesses operating without required permits. Coastal Regulation: Review of establishments violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) laws. Enforcement Actions: 47 premises inspected in North Goa ( 17 sealed) and 39 in South Goa ( 5 sealed). Regulatory Non-Compliance: 22 sealed establishments lacked NOCs from the Fire and Emergency Services Department and consent from the Goa State Pollution Control Board. Government Response The Goa government is responding to concerns raised by the Opposition regarding the nightclub fire and broader regulatory compliance issues. Key actions include: Data Provision: Addressing demands for data on establishments violating CRZ laws. CZMA Actions: Highlighting that the Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA) received 534 complaints between 2021 and 2025 , issuing 336 demolition orders. Plan Finalization: Working to finalize the Coastal Zone Management Plan, 2019 , within a year, building on the 2011 plan. VIP Accountability: Asserting that no VIP or VVIP will be given protection and must adhere to mandatory rules. Legal Action: Issuance of a Red Corner notice against Surinder Khosla , the owner of the club. Regulatory Issues and Loopholes The investigation aims to address loopholes and regulatory failures that allowed the nightclub to operate despite violations. Specific issues include: Name Changes: The club operated under different names over the years, potentially evading scrutiny. Land Use: The nightclub was built on a saltpan in 1999 , raising questions about the initial permissions granted. Business Conversions: Some businesses initially obtained permission for restaurants and later converted into nightclubs by extending hours and serving liquor. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC syllabus in the following ways: GS2: Government Policies and Interventions: Highlights the government's response to regulatory failures and efforts to enforce compliance. GS3: Environment Conservation: Relates to the enforcement of CRZ regulations and the role of CZMA . GS3: Disaster Management: Concerns the investigation into the nightclub fire and measures to prevent future incidents. GS2: Governance: Addresses issues of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in the context of tourism and environmental regulation. Important Facts The fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' resulted in 25 deaths. The investigation covers violations since 1999 . 47 tourism-related premises were inspected in North Goa, with 17 sealed. 39 establishments were inspected in South Goa, with 5 sealed. CZMA received 534 complaints between 2021 and 2025 . 336 demolition orders were issued by CZMA . A Red Corner notice has been issued against the club owner, Surinder Khosla .

Fire-hit Goa nightclub operated under different names, probe to cover violations since 1999: CM Sawant

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Fire-hit Goa nightclub operated under different names, probe to cover violations since 1999: CM Sawant

Fire-hit Goa nightclub operated under different names, probe to cover violations since 1999: CM Sawant

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