1 month ago
Chandigarh PGs: Low Registration Raises Safety Concerns
In Chandigarh, there are thousands of paying guest (PG) accommodations, but only 120 are registered with the city administration.
This is a problem because it means many PGs are not following safety rules.
A fire in 2020 in one of these unregistered PGs killed three people, which made the administration start checking and registering PGs.
However, the checking has slowed down, and most PGs are still not registered.
People who live in these areas and groups like the Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh (FOSWAC) say the administration is not doing enough to make sure PGs are safe.
They want regular checks and better enforcement of the rules.
The administration says they will look into why so few PGs are registered, but the public and RWAs believe more needs to be done to prevent another tragedy.
Only 120 PG accommodations are registered in Chandigarh despite thousands operating across the city.
A 2020 fire in an unregistered PG in Sector 32 prompted a citywide registration and inspection drive, which has since lost momentum.
PG accommodations are concentrated in specific sectors and cater mainly to students and working professionals.
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav will seek a report on the low registration numbers, while FOSWAC Chairman Baljinder Singh Bittu criticizes weak enforcement.
An inquiry into the Sector 32 fire found negligence by Estate Office officials, Beat Police, and PG operators, but no action was taken against them.
- Who
- Chandigarh UT Administration, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, Baljinder Singh Bittu (FOSWAC Chairman), Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)
- What
- Low registration of PG accommodations despite thousands operating in Chandigarh, raising safety and regulation concerns.
- Where
- Chandigarh, particularly in Sectors 15, 20, 21, 22, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 44, 45, and Manimajra.
- When
- The issue gained significance after the 2020 Sector 32 fire, with ongoing concerns about enforcement and compliance.
- Why
- Poor compliance with mandatory norms, weak enforcement, and lack of sustained monitoring and regular inspections.
Administration's Enforcement
Public and RWA Concerns
Registration Drive
Administration's Enforcement
The administration launched a citywide registration and inspection drive after the 2020 Sector 32 fire, but enforcement has faded over time.
Public and RWA Concerns
The Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh (FOSWAC) and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) argue that enforcement is weak and inconsistent, with thousands of PGs operating without proper checks.
Responsibility and Accountability
Administration's Enforcement
The administration claims it will seek a report from officials on the low registration numbers, indicating a willingness to address the issue.
Public and RWA Concerns
Public and RWAs believe that the administration's lack of sustained monitoring and regular inspections is a significant problem, leading to unsafe conditions and potential tragedies.
Key facts
- Number of Registered PGs
- 120
- Year of Sector 32 Fire
- 2020
- Key Areas with PG Concentration
- Sectors 15, 20, 21, 22, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 44, 45, Manimajra
- Primary Users of PGs
- Students and working professionals
- Key Officials Involved
- Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, Baljinder Singh Bittu (FOSWAC Chairman)
- Inquiry Report Findings
- Negligence by Estate Office officials, Beat Police, and PG operators
Quotes
Baljinder Singh Bittu
Chairman of the Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh (FOSWAC)
““Thousands of PGs are operating openly across the city. They function right under the administration’s nose, yet there is hardly any effective checking or monitoring. Rules are framed after every tragedy, but enforcement soon loses momentum. It resumes only after another incident.””
indianexpress.com
““The administration must conduct regular inspections instead of waiting for complaints or another tragedy. Registration should be part of a sustained monitoring mechanism, not merely a formality.””
indianexpress.com
Sources
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