Fire safety concerns across Goa’s government buildings

As reported by The Goan, fire safety measures in Goa’s government buildings are critically lacking, with many facilities failing to comply with recommended safety protocols.

Notable locations such as the Secretariat, Ministerial Block, and the historic Raj Bhavan in Dona Paula have been identified as high-risk due to non-functional fire protection systems.

The situation is especially concerning given that the recent monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly took place in a building without operational fire safety measures.

The issue is not isolated to government offices; several heritage sites and public facilities also face similar risks.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has yet to implement fire safety measures recommended by the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) in 2019.

Other key locations, including the Ravindra Bhavan in Sanquelim and the Goa Medical College in Bambolim, are also unprepared for potential fire emergencies, according to The Goan.

Risk extends to heritage and public buildings

In addition to government offices, various public buildings and heritage sites across Goa are also at risk due to non-compliance with fire safety norms.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, where a significant religious event is scheduled in November, remains non-compliant with fire safety recommendations.

Despite being equipped with fire protection systems, many government-owned buildings have non-functional equipment.

The situation is similar in other important public facilities such as the Ravindra Bhavan at Sanquelim, Mathany Saldanha Administrative Complex in Margao, and the Goa Medical College in Bambolim.

These locations, along with others, are perilously unprepared for fire emergencies, further highlighting the state’s widespread negligence.

New buildings also face fire safety issues

Even newly constructed government buildings in Goa are not exempt from these safety lapses.

The 17 Hub Office Building for the Department of Information Technology in Panaji, for instance, has fire protection measures that are installed but non-functional.

This is indicative of a broader trend where both new and old facilities across the state fail to meet the necessary fire safety standards.

Other sites, such as the New Indoor Hall at Peddem Sports Complex, Community Health Centres at Valpoi and Sanquelim, and the Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College in Bambolim, also face similar issues.

These facilities have seen their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) expire, leaving them at risk in the event of a fire.

Police Headquarters among over 100 sites non-compliant

The Goa Police Headquarters is another critical site operating without compliance with fire safety recommendations.

Senior officers continue to work in a building that has failed to meet fire safety standards since January 2017.

This location is just one of over a hundred sites in Goa that have yet to address essential fire safety requirements, posing a significant risk to both personnel and public safety.

These widespread lapses in fire safety measures across Goa underscore the urgent need for action to prevent potential disasters in both public and government-owned buildings.

Government buildings in Goa lack essential fire safety measures, raising alarm: Summary

Numerous government and public buildings across Goa, including the Secretariat, Ministerial Block, Raj Bhavan, and several heritage sites, are at significant risk due to non-functional or non-compliant fire safety systems.

The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services had recommended safety measures as early as 2019, but many locations, including the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, have yet to comply.

Newly constructed buildings also face similar issues, with fire protection systems installed but non-functional.

Over 100 sites, including the Goa Police Headquarters, remain non-compliant, raising serious concerns about the state’s preparedness for fire emergencies.