Goa Fire: After 'Major Tragedy' Complaint, Site Inspection Of Birch By Romeo Lane Took 15 Months

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 20:40 IST

The establishment, however, got a "green clearance" in the interim from the Goa State Pollution Control Board to operate till 2039 despite a serious complaint against it

'Birch by Romeo Lane' in Goa went up in flames last month, claiming 25 lives. (Image: PTI/File)

The site inspection of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ did not take place for almost 15 months after a serious complaint against the establishment in Goa, where a fire claimed 25 lives last month.

The establishment, however, got a “green clearance" in the interim from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to operate till 2039. This was revealed by documents, which have now been laid out before the Goa legislative assembly by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

According to these documents, the first complaint against the outlet was filed on December 18, 2023, warning against a “major tragedy".

“Illegal construction in eco-sensitive zone (salt pans), agricultural field, discharge of sewage into the Baga river, operation of discotheque in an unstable structure which could cause a major tragedy and misutilisation of open spaces in contravention to the building bylaws," stated the complaint.

But Sawant’s reply shows that the site inspection against this complaint was conducted a little over a year on March 20, 2025. In the interim, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on April 22, 2024, granted a 15-year ‘green category’ consent to Birch by Romeo Lane till 2039. This is the maximum consent in terms of years that can be granted. 

Even after this clearance, three more complaints landed with the authorities in 2025 – regarding illegal construction, sewage discharge, noise pollution, and coastal regulation zone violations, as per Sawant’s written reply. But nothing moved.

“After the tragic fire incident at the establishment, the board on December 17, 2025 has revoked the consent to operate order dated April 22, 2024 issued to the outlet," stated the chief minister’s reply.

It was, however, too late. Then member secretary of GSPCB, Shamila Monteiro, was suspended after the fire.

News india Goa Fire: After 'Major Tragedy' Complaint, Site Inspection Of Birch By Romeo Lane Took 15 Months

Read More