Monitoring panel gets power to shut tourism-linked units

NT Reporter

Panaji

Goa government has expanded the powers of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee, permitting the panel to shut any tourism-related establishment not possessing the mandatory documents.

The committee was formed on December 9, 2025, following the fire tragedy at the Arpora-based Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, which claimed 25 lives. The panel was set up to ensure strict compliance with fire safety and statutory norms across tourism establishments in
the state.

As per the new order
issued by the Department of Home, the committee can seal any tourism-related unit lacking valid or mandatory clearances, including Fire Safety No objection Certificate (NOC), excise licence and trade licence, with immediate suspension of all commercial operations.

The committee has also been authorised to temporarily de-seal establishments only for limited purposes such as removal of perishable or hazardous material, rectification of deficiencies or for facilitating inspections under the supervision of mamlatdar and local police.

“Upon completion of such purpose, the premises shall be re-sealed forthwith. No commercial operations shall be permitted during the period of temporary de-sealing, and suspension of the commercial operations shall be under the strict supervision of the Committee through mamlatdar and police inspector of the concerned area,” states the order.

The final de-sealing powers, however,

rest exclusively with the Additional Collector-II/Additional District Magistrate-II, subject to verification of compliance and a recommendation from the committee, with a provision to appeal before the Collector or District Magistrate, states the order, which has been issued by Under Secretary (Home-I) Manthan Naik.

“However, anyone aggrieved by the decision of Additional Collector-II/Additional District Magistrate-II can approach the Collector/District Magistrate of the concerned district,” the order states.