Ujjain tightens fire safety checks at coaching centres:Institutions flouting norms face sealing; warning issued after Lucknow, Agra mishaps

Following the recent accidents in Lucknow and Agra, concerns over safety standards at coaching institutes have intensified across the country. In response, the Ujjain Municipal Corporation has adopted a strict approach towards enforcing fire safety norms. The civic body has inspected major coaching institutes across the city and made it clear that institutions found violating fire safety regulations will face strict action, including sealing of their premises. On Thursday, acting on the directions of Municipal Commissioner Abhilash Mishra, Assistant Commissioner Ravikant Magarde and Fire Officer Laxman Prasad Sahu inspected three major coaching institutes in the city. The institutes inspected included Aakash Coaching Institute at Sunshine Tower, Kautilya Academy opposite Durga Plaza, and Guarantee Success Coaching Institute. During the inspection, officials examined essential documents, including fire safety certificates, fire audit reports, building approval documents and electrical safety certificates. The inspection team also checked the operational status of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detector systems, fire hydrants, sprinkler systems and emergency exits installed at the institutes. In addition, emergency lighting, electrical safety arrangements and disaster management plans were assessed in detail. Officials instructed the institute operators to ensure that all fire safety equipment remains functional and ready for use at all times. Fire Officer Laxman Prasad Sahu said that obtaining a fire safety certificate is mandatory for buildings taller than 15 metres, as well as for large hotels, hospitals, shopping complexes, malls, multiplexes, cinema halls, marriage gardens and other mixed-occupancy buildings. He also clarified that hotels and hospitals with fewer than 50 beds are required to submit certification issued by a registered fire engineer.