Eleven student hostels (PGs) were closed in the city of Pune due to violations of fire safety regulations. This measure was taken by the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) Fire Department in the Lochegaon and Nimbalakar Nagar areas on Friday.
These 11 hostels were operating without the necessary equipment to ensure fire safety. Officials stated that future action could be taken against colleges or educational institutions that direct students to such unsafe or unauthorized hostels. This inspection was conducted by the PMC following recent incidents in Delhi and other cities.
During the inspection, the fire department team discovered multi-story buildings housing over 100 students. These premises lacked any fire prevention systems. The owners or operators of these locations were unable to present required documents, including property tax records, drainage objection certificates, Fire NOC, structural audit reports, water supply permits, and building permits.
A large-scale campaign is underway in the city to inspect hospitals, hostels, educational centers, coaching classes, and libraries. The audit will later cover large institutions, high-rise buildings, and private companies. The fire department has been tasked with submitting a report on this matter within 10 days.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram emphasized that this action is part of efforts to strengthen the fire safety system in Pune. He reported that the fire department will also check libraries, hospitals, and other facilities in the city, and measures will be taken where violations are found. Chief Fire Officer Ganesh Sonune warned that strict sanctions would follow non-compliance with fire safety rules.
He added that the Municipal Commissioner instructed staff to take action against owners of unauthorized establishments and those who violate fire safety rules. According to fire safety regulations, establishments are required to conduct a fire audit at official agencies twice a year, in January and July. Furthermore, they must submit 'Form B' confirming compliance.
During the inspection, staff spoke with students residing in these PGs. Some students reported that their college directed them there. Officials noted that Pune has over 25 universities and a large number of educational centers, as well as about 3500 registered and unregistered hostels and shared accommodation facilities. The city administration warned educational institutions that action would be taken against them if they send students to unauthorized or unsafe housing.
Somnath Bainkar, Head of the Municipal Land Encroachment Department, stated that the campaign against illegal PGs will be intensified after the Ganesh festival. Bainkar noted that inspections will be carried out in Lochegaon, Haradi, and Wagholi after Ganesh, where many colleges are located.
