11 Pune PGs, hostels sealed over fire safety violations, missing permissions

Pune civic body sealed 11 PGs and hostels after inspections found missing fire-fighting systems and mandatory permissions. The action came during a city-wide fire safety audit covering student accommodations and other establishments.

In Short

• Pune civic body sealed 11 PGs and hostels lacking fire safety and permissions
• Inspections in Lohgaon, Nimbalkar Nagar covered PGs housing over 100 students
• Colleges referring students to unauthorised PGs under scrutiny

The Pune civic body sealed 11 paying guest accommodations and hostels on Friday after inspections found several establishments operating without basic firefighting systems and mandatory fire department permissions.

The action was taken in Lohgaon and Nimbalkar Nagar as part of a city-wide fire safety audit ordered by Pune Municipal Commissioner Navalkishor Ram for hospitals, PGs, hostels and coaching centres following a series of fire incidents reported across the country.

PGs AND HOSTELS HOUSING OVER 100 STUDENTS INSPECTED

The inspection was conducted under the leadership of Pune Fire Brigade chief Ganesh Sonune. Around 10 PGs and hostels were inspected during the drive, with some buildings housing more than 100 students across three to four floors.

Officials found that several premises did not have permanent or temporary fire-fighting arrangements. The civic administration said the absence of such safety measures could lead to significant loss of life and property in the event of a fire.

ESTABLISHMENTS LACKED MANDATORY PERMISSIONS

The inspection also revealed that several establishments allegedly did not have mandatory permissions.

These included building permission, drainage, water supply, tree, structural and property tax-related approvals, as well as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department.

COLLEGES' ROLE IN REFERRING STUDENTS UNDER SCANNER

During the inspection, officials interacted with students and found that some colleges had allegedly referred students to certain PGs and hostels in the area.

The civic administration said the role of such colleges and other persons involved in facilitating unauthorised accommodation would also be examined.

Officials said action would be taken against those found violating the rules.

FIRE SAFETY AUDIT TO COVER MORE ESTABLISHMENTS

The fire brigade, building department and encroachment department have been directed to take immediate action against unauthorised and non-compliant PGs and hostels.

The fire safety audit will now be extended to schools, colleges, hospitals, PGs, hostels and other establishments across Pune, according to a senior PMC officer.

- Ends