After Lucknow coaching fire, safety gaps found in Bhopal institutes:Coaching centres asked to submit plans for fire safety upgrades

Following the recent fire incident at a coaching institute in Lucknow, eight coaching centres in Bhopal have been sealed. Coaching operators say they are willing to make any changes required to improve fire safety in their buildings, but need more time to comply. They have also sought guidance from authorities on how such modifications can be carried out under existing building permission and land development regulations. Responding to concerns raised by coaching operators, Bhopal Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Bhuvan Gupta said the objective of the action is not to keep coaching institutes closed for an extended period, but to ensure they operate in compliance with essential fire safety norms. He asked coaching operators to submit a fire safety plan, seek technical guidance and, if required, resolve issues through a joint meeting. Gupta said that once coaching centres submit their fire plans and provide a timeline for compliance, the civic body is prepared to remove the seals and allow them to reopen. Corporation seeks safety roadmap Gupta said inspections found that fire extinguishers at several institutes had expired and had not been refilled even after seven days. Many operators also lacked a clear fire safety plan. According to the municipal corporation, coaching institutes need to demonstrate that they are serious about implementing corrective measures and improving safety standards. What coaching operators want and what the corporation says Coaching operators say it is not possible to complete construction-related changes within seven days. The corporation clarified that the seven-day period was meant for submitting a fire plan, not carrying out construction work. Operators have said they are uncertain about the modifications required. In response, the corporation has asked them to bring approved building maps, following which fire engineers will provide technical guidance. Coaching centres have also raised concerns about technical difficulties. The corporation has said it is willing to hold a meeting on Monday or Tuesday to discuss solutions. Operators argue that studies are being disrupted because institutes remain shut. The corporation has stated that reopening can be considered once a fire plan and an undertaking are submitted. Some coaching operators fear they may have to construct a new staircase on every floor. However, the corporation clarified that additional staircases are not mandatory and that buildings only need to provide two safe evacuation options. Meeting likely on Monday or Tuesday The municipal corporation has proposed that coaching operators visit its office with approved building plans if they are unsure about the changes required. Fire engineers will assess the layouts and suggest the necessary modifications. Based on this guidance, operators can prepare a roadmap for compliance. A joint meeting may also be convened on Monday or Tuesday to address outstanding concerns. Fire NOC not mandatory, safety plan is Gupta said the corporation is not asking all institutes to obtain a fire no-objection certificate (NOC). However, institutions that receive a large number of students every day must have a fire safety plan in place. He added that provisions for such plans are already included in the National Building Code and land development rules. Every floor must have two safe evacuation options in case of an emergency, which may include large windows, alternative escape routes or shared exit pathways.