Indore launches fire safety drive after Delhi blaze:Hotels and hospitals given three days to fix major lapses or face sealing action

Following the fatal fire at a hotel in Delhi that claimed several lives, authorities in Indore have launched a special inspection drive to assess fire safety arrangements in hotels and commercial buildings across the city. Joint teams from the Municipal Corporation, Fire Brigade and Building Permission Department are carrying out inspections. Several hotels and commercial establishments have been found lacking adequate fire safety measures. Building operators have been issued notices directing them to rectify deficiencies within three days. Fresh inspections will be conducted after the deadline, and buildings that continue to violate safety norms may be sealed. Fire safety systems found missing in several hotels Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal said inspection teams checked fire extinguishers, fire alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems, emergency exits and emergency lighting arrangements at various hotels and commercial buildings. Serious shortcomings were found at several properties in the Sarvate Bus Stand area, including- Officials said these establishments lacked adequate fire safety arrangements. Notices issued, fresh inspections to follow According to municipal officials, notices have been served to the establishments concerned. During the follow-up inspections, if fire safety equipment is found non-functional or if basements are being used in violation of regulations, the buildings will be sealed. 467 buildings surveyed, 32 already sealed According to the Building Permission Department, a total of 467 buildings across different zones of the city have been surveyed so far. Fire safety equipment was found installed and operational in 305 buildings. Fire safety systems were either non-functional or absent in 157 buildings. Notices have been issued to operators of 101 buildings. So far, 32 buildings have been sealed for failing to comply with safety regulations. Deficiencies found during inspections across the city 1. Lahoti Nursing Home And RLB Hospital (Zone-15) No fire safety systems were found on the premises. The basements were being used in violation of regulations and have been shut down. The establishments have been given three days to install and activate fire safety systems. 2. Hotel Dilip And Al Qasim Restaurant, Sarvate Area No adequate fire protection arrangements were found. A kitchen was being operated in the basement, which violated regulations. Notices have been issued and operators have been directed to improve safety arrangements. 3. Hotel Vaishnav, Sarvate area No fire safety systems were found. Authorities have instructed management to vacate the hotel on safety grounds. 4. Hotel Meera Marriage Garden (Zone-13) The fire safety system was incomplete and installed equipment was found to be non-functional. Management has been given three days to rectify the deficiencies. 5. The Clain Hotel (Zone-7) The fire safety system was also found to be non-operational. A notice has been issued directing the management to make the system functional immediately.