Prabhav Naik Calls Out Safety Shortfalls in Goa in Plea to PM
Margao: Madganvcho Awaaz and Youth Leader Prabhav Naik today submitted a detailed representation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, highlighting the alarming rise in accidents, disasters, and safety lapses across Goa. The letter draws attention to repeated tragedies, forest fires, pipeline leaks, factory and scrapyard fires, the capsizing of a ferry boat, landslide-prone zones identified by ISRO, the Shirgao stampede, and the recent night-club fire that claimed 25 innocent lives. Despite the seriousness of these incidents, corrective actions remain unclear and confined to official files, stated Prabhav Naik in his letter.
The letter acknowledges the prompt response of the Hon’ble President and Hon’ble Prime Minister in announcing ex gratia relief for victims of the night-club tragedy. However, it stresses that relief alone is not enough. Goa urgently requires accountability, and those responsible for negligence, violations of safety norms, or lapses in enforcement must be identified and held answerable.
The night-club fire has once again exposed systemic gaps in the enforcement of safety standards and emergency response mechanisms. These recurring incidents, Prabhav Naik noted in the letter, are symptoms of deeper administrative weaknesses that cannot be addressed through isolated or reactionary measures.
Serious concern has also been raised regarding repeated fire incidents at major cultural events. The recent fire at the Serendipity Festival pandal at Kala Academy allegedly due to welding work is cited alongside a similar incident that occurred earlier at the INOX Courtyard for the same festival. Such repeated lapses show that no lessons have been learnt, even at high-profile events drawing national and international attention, he stated.
In view of these persistent failures, Prabhav Naik has urged the Prime Minister to constitute a High-Level Committee under a sitting or retired Judge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to undertake a comprehensive audit of Goa’s safety regulations, compliance systems, and disaster-management preparedness across all sectors. An impartial and authoritative inquiry is essential to restore public trust and secure long-term reforms.
The appeal also notes that today marks International Anti-Corruption Day, a reminder of the importance of transparency, responsibility, and integrity in governance. “The request for central intervention is made with the hope of ensuring that the people of Goa receive the safety, accountability, and protection they rightfully deserve,” said Prabhav Naik.
