Indoor use of fireworks: How is it permitted?
The recent horrific inferno at the Birch nightclub at Arpora, was reportedly due to setting off a ‘flower pot’ firework when a dance was underway by a performer. It needs to be ascertained as to who lit it when tens of people were in the club, and that person should also be booked by the police. This is the not the first time that ‘flower pots’ have been used in a closed space such as in village panchayat and dance halls, hotels, restaurants etc. where birthday, wedding and other events take place. People tend to light fireworks as these are colourful and dazzling without realising that a slightest spark or the half-burnt firework could wreak havoc in a confined space packed with people, and presence of inflammable decorative materials, electrical cables, furniture etc. How do the owners and/or managers permit the use of fireworks? When a hall is hired an undertaking must be signed by the hiring party and they must deposit twice the amount that they pay for the hall and facilities. If fireworks are used the deposit should be forfeited while damages to premises, fittings and materials should be fined at double the rates. Casualties and injuries to people should be suitably compensated. Hope in Goa the practice of celebratory shootings will not come into vogue, as it happens in some States.
Sridhar Iyer, Caranzalem
Fire safety at event venues
The devastating fire incident that took place at a night club in Arpora which unfortunately claimed the life of 25 people once again brings to focus the importance of following fire-safety norms at crowded places. The Serendipity Arts Festival returns to Panaji from December 12-21 with its landmark tenth edition. The festival attracts thousands of art lovers in the field of music, dance, visual arts, craft, etc. A fire reportedly broke out on Monday evening at a stage under preparation for the festival at the Kala Academy in Campal. Sparks from ongoing welding works are suspected to have ignited flammable foam of an installation. Fortunately workers immediately attempted to douse the rapidly spreading flames before the fire brigade arrived thereby preventing a major fire incident. It may be recalled that there was a stage fire at the Inox premises during the Serendipity Festival in 2024. The devastating fire at the night-club in Arpora should serve as an eye-opener. When there is a large crowd in one place, a fire can quickly turn into a disaster if proper safety measures are not in place. Fire safety norms in crowded places primarily focus on preventing overcrowding, ensuring clear and sufficient exit routes, having functional fire detection and extinguishing systems. Exit points should facilitate a smooth flow of people during evacuation and prevent stampedes. Installation of fire detection and alarm systems are mandatory. Appropriate firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, should be strategically placed and easily accessible.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Judge controversy
The manner in which Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court went about delivering controversial verdicts including the sensitive case concerning the Tirupparankundram issue, it is not a surprise that the opposition parties have planned to bring in a motion in both the houses of Parliament to impeach him. A group of lawyers organised a demonstration in front of the Madras High Court demanding the resignation of Justice Swaminathan for his “hurried and biased” judgements. They further claimed that the orders passed by the judge in Tirupparankundram Deepam issue affected the peace and tranquility in the hills and divided the people of Tamil Nadu on religious basis. They further said that the judge violated his constitutional oath and he cannot occupy the constitutional post and pass religiously biased orders.
Many of the judges of the Madras High Court are known for delivering landmark verdicts that have become excellent study materials for the law students and senior lawyers in line to be elevated as judges. In this context, it is a black mark on the Madras High Court that Justice Swaminathan has warranted impeachment proceedings to be initiated against him for his “biased” judgements as claimed by the group of lawyers and the opposition leaders.
Manapadian Joson, Chennai
Winter hits hard
Chilly weather is no stranger to India. December and January often bring harsh cold that tests the resilience of residents. After the severe cold waves of 2013 and 2017, the people of North India—particularly Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR)—faced bone-chilling cold once again in 2019. Even in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024, the region was not spared. Early indications suggest that 2025 will be no different, with severe cold and dense fog affecting north, west, and central India. In 2024, a strong subtropical jet stream persisted over northern India for a week, partly contributing to the intense cold wave.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
