Another Anjuna nightclub sealed, third in state since Birch inferno

Panaji: Continuing the swift crackdown on erring nightclubs in Goa, state govt sealed yet another nightclub, this time at Anjuna. The joint enforcement and monitoring committee decided to seal Diaz Goa, which calls itself a luxury pool club, after the directorate of fire and emergency services (DFES) revoked the fire NOC issued to the nightclub.

According to officials, a surprise inspection was conducted on Saturday, where the DFES found that the existing fire prevention and fire safety arrangements at the club were inadequate and required urgent upgradation. The number of fire extinguishers present in the nightclub was found to be insufficient to battle a blaze in the event of a fire.In the interest of public safety, the fire department revoked the NOC with immediate effect.

The fire NOC was originally granted in July, this year.This is the third nightclub to be sealed by the joint enforcement and monitoring committee in the aftermath of the tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, where 25 people lost their lives. With pressure mounting from all sides, the Pramod Sawant govt swung into action, ordering a fire safety audit at all tourism establishments while constituting joint enforcement and monitoring committees for each district to inspect and seal establishments.

Till date, inspections have been carried out at key locations including Pernem, Calangute, Candolim, Nerul, Baga, Arpora, Vagator, Panaji and Anjuna with a focus on verifying fire safety measures and ensuring statutory compliance.The committee reviews essential safety systems, emergency preparedness, and adherence to mandated norms and often issues directions on the spot where lapses are noticed.The first nightclub to be sealed was Goya, followed by Cafe CO2, both at Vagator.

At both nightclubs, authorities expressed concern about the structural stability of the built-up structures. The use of fireworks within the nightclub was also noticed.The Anjuna-Caisua panchayat and other authorities have been informed about the revocation of the fire NOC, and this has been communicated to the restaurant management.The joint monitoring committee has given the Diaz Goa owners an opportunity to complete the necessary regulatory compliances and take corrective measures.