11 PG Hostels Sealed In Pune Over Fire Safety Violations

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) conducted a crackdown on 11 unlicensed paying guest (PG) hostels in Lohegaon and Nimbalkar Nagar after fire safety inspections revealed several establishments were lacking essential fire-safety systems and required permissions. This action follows several recent fire incidents in the country and the PMC's directive to inspect PG hostels, hostels, coaching classes, and other large student accommodation establishments.

During Friday's inspection, officials found multiple violations at the 11 properties, including a lack of adequate fire-fighting arrangements and the absence of necessary documents such as building permissions, drainage and water clearances, structural audit reports, tax records, and fire NOCs. Some establishments were operating from multi-story buildings without proper fire-fighting systems, while others failed to provide required documentation.

PMC Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram emphasized the PMC's commitment to enforcing fire safety, structural strength, and rule compliance. He announced more aggressive actions against illegal PG hostels and coaching classes, with strict action awaiting establishments that fail to comply with fire-safety requirements. The civic administration also warned educational institutions against referring students to unauthorized or unsafe accommodations and threatened legal action if institutions facilitated admissions or accommodation at non-compliant premises.

The inspections will extend beyond PG hostels, with the fire brigade, building department, and encroachment department collaborating to target establishments operating without proper permissions. Authorities will implement mandatory fire audits using authorized agencies and require compliant establishments to submit necessary documentation. Any violations of safety norms could result in sealing and additional legal action.