Pune Civic Body Seals 11 PG Hostels Over Fire Safety Violations

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a major fire-safety inspection drive across the city, sealing 11 unauthorised paying guest (PG) hostels on September 18 after inspections allegedly revealed serious violations and an absence of basic fire-fighting arrangements.

The action follows directions from Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, who ordered fire audits of hospitals, PG accommodations, coaching classes and other establishments in the city. The inspections are being carried out under the supervision of Pune Fire Brigade Chief Ganesh Sonune.

The drive comes against the backdrop of recent fire incidents reported in different parts of the country, including Delhi, Mumbai and Amravati, prompting the civic administration to review fire preparedness at establishments accommodating large numbers of people.

During inspections in the Lohegaon and Nimbalkar Nagar areas, fire brigade officials visited around 10 PG hostels. According to information released by the fire department, inspectors did not find adequate permanent or temporary fire-fighting systems at the establishments checked.

Officials also found that some three- and four-storey buildings were accommodating more than 100 male and female students. The civic administration flagged the potential risk to occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency.

The inspection also raised questions about the permissions under which these establishments were operating. According to the civic administration, the premises did not have several mandatory approvals, including building permissions and a fire department No Objection Certificate. Permissions linked to drainage, water supply, structural requirements and other civic departments were also reportedly unavailable.

Taking note of the findings, the municipal commissioner ordered immediate action against unauthorised PG facilities failing to comply with fire-safety requirements. Teams comprising fire brigade officials and personnel from PMC's building and encroachment departments subsequently began sealing the establishments.

By September 18, 11 PG hostels had been sealed as part of the drive.

Officials also interacted with students staying at some of the properties and were informed that certain accommodations had allegedly been suggested or referred by nearby educational institutions. The PMC has warned that action could be initiated if an institution is found to have directed students towards unauthorised accommodation or if property owners are found violating applicable regulations.

The civic body has now decided to widen the inspection drive to schools, colleges, PG hostels, hospitals and other establishments across Pune. Properties found operating without mandatory permissions or adequate fire-safety arrangements could face closure and other legal action.

The municipal commissioner has also directed officials to initiate FIR proceedings against owners of establishments found operating illegally and without complying with fire-safety norms.