1 week ago
Central Kolkata Hotels Face Fire-Safety Closure Threats
Officials in central Kolkata found alleged fire-safety problems at 25 hotels, inns and restaurants.
They sent the businesses notices asking them to explain themselves.
The businesses could be closed or sealed if they do not meet safety rules.
This happened after a fire at Hotel Shikha Inn killed nine people.
Some establishments were already emptied after earlier notices.
The reports say 13 were vacated on Friday and 16 were asked to leave on Saturday.
The businesses can present their cases during hearings with divisional fire officers.
City teams will inspect hotels across Kolkata to check their safety arrangements.
Twenty-five hotels, inns and restaurants in central Kolkata received show-cause notices over alleged fire-safety failures.
The establishments were asked to explain why they should not be closed or sealed.
The action followed a fire at Hotel Shikha Inn that killed nine people.
Officials said 13 establishments were vacated on Friday and 16 were asked to vacate on Saturday, although the reports differ on the exact timeline.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation formed borough-level joint inspection teams to check every hotel’s safety measures.
- Who
- The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, 25 hotels, inns and restaurants, divisional fire officers, and West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul.
- What
- Twenty-five central Kolkata establishments were issued show-cause notices over alleged failures to meet fire-safety requirements, with possible closure or sealing.
- Where
- Central Kolkata, including the Free School Street, Marquis Street and New Market areas.
- When
- The notices followed a fatal fire the previous Wednesday; reports say 13 establishments were vacated on Friday and 16 were asked to vacate on Saturday, August 22.
- Why
- Officials said the establishments allegedly failed to implement adequate fire-safety measures despite earlier notices, posing risks to visitors’ safety and lives.
Stricter Immediate Enforcement
Review Before Final Action
How unsafe establishments should be handled
Stricter Immediate Enforcement
Agnimitra Paul said repeated notices were ineffective and that establishments lacking fire-safety measures should be given 24 hours for guests to leave before being sealed.
Review Before Final Action
Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials said the establishments would have an opportunity to present their cases at hearings, with further action based on those hearings and compliance.
Responsibility for longstanding violations
Stricter Immediate Enforcement
Paul questioned how establishments allegedly operating without required permissions or in violation of regulations had continued functioning, and sought explanations from former officials.
Review Before Final Action
The reports state the allegations and questions but do not provide responses from Mamata Banerjee or Firhad Hakim.
Key facts
- Establishments show-caused
- 25 hotels, inns and restaurants in central Kolkata
- Fatal fire
- A fire at Hotel Shikha Inn killed nine people
- Possible enforcement
- Establishments found lacking in safety measures could be closed or sealed
- Vacating actions
- Officials reported 13 establishments vacated on Friday and 16 asked to vacate on Saturday
- Hearings
- The establishments can present their cases before the respective Divisional Fire Officers
- Inspection plan
- The Kolkata Municipal Corporation formed one joint inspection team for each borough
- Minister’s position
- Agnimitra Paul said authorities should give guests time to leave and then seal establishments that remain unsafe
Quotes
Agnimitra Paul
West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister
“Notices do not serve any purpose. If guests are staying in the hotel, give them 24 hours to vacate and then seal it. If all the documents are subsequently found to be in order, it can be reopened.”
theprint.in
“The recent fire has raised questions over fire safety arrangements, permissions and the functioning of hotels operating in congested parts of the city”
theprint.in
Sources
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