Goa Tourism Department Acts Against Unauthorised Vagator Structure After Arpora Fire Tragedy

The Goa Department of Tourism on Tuesday undertook a demolition drive against an unauthorised structure at Vagator operating under the name Romeo Lane, just days after a catastrophic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora claimed 25 lives late on Saturday night. Although the two establishments are owned by the same promoters, the Department clarified that the Arpora venue does not fall within its regulatory ambit.

Encroachment Verified

Officials stated that the Vagator structure had encroached upon land that falls under the jurisdiction of the Tourism Department. A verification exercise confirmed that the occupied portion was illegal and violated applicable regulations. Following this, demolition was undertaken strictly in accordance with the law.

This is the third enforcement action against the Vagator property in six months. Earlier partial demolitions were carried out after the Bombay High Court’s 2024 direction, but the unauthorised section was reconstructed without approval, necessitating renewed action.

Department Clarifies Its Mandate

The Department emphasised that it functions as the registering authority for private shacks, but is not the licensing authority. It also noted that its powers apply only to areas within its jurisdiction—such as Vagator beach—and do not extend to the Arpora establishment where the fatal blaze occurred.

The Department of Tourism said the Vagator structure was found to be unauthorised and encroaching on land under the Department’s jurisdiction. After verification, it was confirmed that the encroachment was illegal, and demolition was carried out according to the law. Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said: "Our Department is responsible for areas under its jurisdiction. Actions like this are part of our ongoing efforts to stop illegal structures and activities that harm Goa’s tourism. These measures ensure tourism runs smoothly, safely, and lawfully."

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik added that the action was fully within legal rules and that rebuilding the structure without approval left the Department no choice but to act.

According to reports, Tourism Minister Khaunte underscored that the demolition formed part of ongoing efforts to safeguard Goa’s tourism credibility. He stated that such enforcement actions were routine governance measures, stressing that the Department’s mandate was clearly defined within its jurisdiction and that action would continue against illegal structures, unauthorised activities, touts, and practices that undermine the tourism sector.

According to reports, Deputy Director of Tourism Dhiraj Vagle, who oversaw the action on site, said the Vagator structure had originally been pulled down in July but was later rebuilt. He explained that a subsequent complaint from a tourism warden alerted the Department that the illegal construction had re-emerged, leading to a second demolition in August. Despite these measures, the unauthorised portion was said to have been reinstated again in October. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reportedly indicated that any remaining unlawful structures within CRZ limits would also be removed as part of the government’s wider enforcement efforts.

The Romeo Lane premises in Vagator had already been sealed on Sunday after authorities found that mandatory fire safety requirements had not been met.

Safety Norms Tightened

In the wake of the catastrophic fire, the Goa government on Monday issued a strengthened safety advisory aimed at nightclubs, bars, restaurants, event venues and other similar establishments across the State. The directive, released by the State Disaster Management Authority, outlines a comprehensive checklist covering fire safety, electrical safeguards, structural soundness and crowd management. Citing provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the advisory instructs all operators to adhere strictly to norms laid down by competent authorities.

As part of the requirements, venues must possess a valid fire NOC and comply fully with conditions set by the Fire Services Department. Establishments have also been reminded to observe authorised occupancy limits, display their maximum capacity clearly and ensure that overcrowding is not permitted under any circumstances.

The advisory further stresses that all fire-protection systems—such as smoke and heat detectors, alarm units, sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels and properly serviced extinguishers—must be installed, maintained in working order and ready for immediate use.

FAQs

Why was the Vagator structure linked to Romeo Lane demolished?

The structure was demolished because it had encroached on land under the Tourism Department’s jurisdiction and was rebuilt multiple times despite earlier enforcement actions. Verification showed it violated regulations, prompting the Department to act again.

What happened at the Arpora nightclub?

A devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane claimed 25 lives. This incident triggered heightened scrutiny of safety compliance at nightlife venues across the State.

What new measures has the Goa government issued after the fire?

The State Disaster Management Authority released a detailed advisory requiring nightclubs, bars, restaurants and event venues to comply strictly with fire safety, electrical safety, structural norms and crowd-control regulations. Establishments must maintain a valid fire NOC, avoid overcrowding and ensure all fire-reduction systems are fully functional.