The Fire in Goa: Not Accident, But A Systemic Crime

— Lalit Gargg—

Once again, a raging fire has claimed twenty-five innocent lives. The inferno at a Goa nightclub was not merely an accident; it was a burning indictment of our system’s apathy, irresponsibility and moral decay. The club was operating without permissions, without fire-fighting systems, and with a dangerously narrow entry–exit passage. People rushed towards what they believed was a safe escape, only to find themselves trapped. Pleasure turned into pyre; celebration turned into a graveyard — forcing us to ask whether we have lost the ability to learn. Why does India follow the same pattern after every tragedy — inquiry committees, compensation announcements, a brief period of outrage, and then silence? Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Surat and several other cities have witnessed similar infernos in hotels, hospitals, malls and coaching centres. Yet our accountability shrinks as tragedies grow. These disasters are not mere technical failures; they are outcomes of corruption, collusion and institutional decay.

Goa markets itself as a tourism paradise; nightlife, beaches and entertainment form its identity. In such a state, this catastrophe is not only human suffering but a blow to reputation and economy. At a time when India’s tourism industry struggles to compete globally and prove itself safe, the world now asks: is India a secure travel destination? Can lives be protected amid unregulated structures and corrupt systems? Two forces drive such tragedies — lethargic governance and greed-driven organisers. Licences, safety clearances, maintenance, and emergency exits exist mostly on paper. What actually governs operations are connections and cash. Inspections are ritualistic; past tragedies become forgotten archives.

In Goa, even fire trucks could not reach the venue, stalled four hundred metres away due to a narrow lane. Dry palm leaves used as décor fuelled the blaze. Emergency exits were missing, forcing many to run toward a kitchen with no escape route. The establishment itself was illegal — authorities have admitted its construction lacked approval. The biggest question is: why do we accept disasters as destiny instead of preventable failures? After every incident, predictable political statements echo — the guilty will not be spared, inquiries will be ordered, compensation will be provided. Yet rarely do we see genuine punishment, dismissal or permanent closure of culpable entities. We mourn the dead but rarely dismantle the causes that killed them.

This is not just administrative failure but collective moral collapse. Organisers see profit, officials look at signatures on files, and society treats tragedy as temporary grief. In responsible societies, safety is non-negotiable. Strict inspections, penalties, compliance and transparency are basic principles. In India, these remain confined to official manuals. The question is not why tragedies occur, but why lessons are never learnt. This fire is a warning for the entire nation. We celebrate development and tourism yet sideline safety, regulation and human dignity. A nation’s true progress rests not on glittering facades but on the security of its citizens.

This tragedy has bruised Goa’s governance, shaken its tourism economy and eroded public trust. Tourism contributes over sixteen percent to Goa’s GDP, and visitor numbers have been rising. Yet the state already suffered reputational stress from issues like taxi exploitation and tourist harassment. This incident deepens the wound. Real change demands real action — accountability, effective inspections, corruption control and severe punishment for safety violations. But history tells us that India resists tough decisions. Expressing grief is not enough. Every tragedy reminds us that without a culture of safety, ethical governance and responsible business, no society can be secure.

This is not merely a report of twenty-five deaths; it is an alarm bell. If we do not learn, the next tragedy is already approaching. Policymakers must realise that such incidents do not only take lives — they stain national credibility. India’s dream of being modern will remain hollow if rule of law, safety norms and responsibility continue to be ignored. Illegal establishments must be closed and, more importantly, those allowing them must be held accountable. The value of life must reflect in governance, not just speeches. Unless policies grow teeth, corruption is uprooted and citizen-centred governance becomes reality, entertainment hubs will keep turning into funeral grounds. The Goa fire was not merely a flame — it was the failure of conscience, governance and humanity. The choice is ours — to forget it or to make it the beginning of change.