Nagpur: With 2025 nearing its end, Nagpur Police under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal have stepped up citywide safety measures to manage festive crowds during Christmas and New Year celebrations. The heightened vigilance comes in the backdrop of the deadly nightclub fire in Goa that claimed 25 lives and left six injured on December 6.
CP Singal said that police patrolling will be strengthened across major party hotspots, including clubs, bars, restaurants, and event venues. All establishments have been instructed to conduct immediate fire safety audits and ensure full compliance.
“Party establishments must ensure functional fire extinguishers, unobstructed exits, and strict monitoring of electrical load during heavy crowd gatherings. Any violation will result in strict action,” CP Singal said.
The police have deployed additional flying squads, increased foot patrolling, and enhanced checks under Operation Thunder and Operation U-Turn. Extra force has been deployed outside nightclubs and popular nightlife destinations to ensure that safety norms are followed throughout the festive period.
According to senior fire officials, several establishments in Nagpur continue to operate in residential areas without valid permits or fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs). While many venues have clearances, a significant number of party houses and rooftop venues are functioning without proper safety approvals. Officials confirmed that not a single rooftop venue in the city currently holds a fire NOC.
Industry experts stated that most compliant hotels, clubs, and restaurants are aligned with all safety rules issued by authorities and routinely conduct inspections to prevent hazards. They said the Goa incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger enforcement and responsible crowd management.
Fire safety specialists from the hospitality sector stressed that norms must be treated as non-negotiable for venues hosting large gatherings. They pointed out that crowd density needs constant monitoring, especially in clubs and bars where patrons stand rather than sit.
“If too many people gather in one place, evacuation becomes difficult and can even lead to a stampede-like situation. Exits must always be clear, and no obstruction should be allowed near entry or exit points,” a hospitality industry expert said.
Nagpur Police have appealed to event organisers to prioritise safety over capacity and ensure trained staff remain deployed at emergency exits during late-night events.
