Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Kolkata Fire Safety Lapses Flagged at 13 Establishments
A hotel fire in Kolkata killed nine people.
The next day, fire officials inspected other businesses on Mirza Ghalib Street.
They found problems in nine guesthouses and four restaurants-cum-bars.
Officials said these places did not have enough fire-safety equipment or measures.
The businesses had already received several notices.
They were given 24 hours to explain themselves.
If the problems are not addressed, officials may order the businesses to close.
Fire chief Anuj Sharma said the situation could endanger people and property.
West Bengal’s fire department flagged nine guesthouses and four restaurants-cum-bars on Mirza Ghalib Street.
The action came one day after a hotel fire killed nine people in central Kolkata.
The establishments were allegedly not complying with required fire-safety measures.
They were given 24 hours to explain why closure orders should not be issued under Section 37A of the Fire Act.
Fire chief Anuj Sharma said repeated notices had not led to correction of the identified shortcomings.
- Who
- West Bengal’s fire and emergencies department, led by Director General Anuj Sharma, flagged nine guesthouses and four restaurants-cum-bars.
- What
- Officials issued notices over alleged non-compliance with fire-safety rules and warned that closure orders could follow.
- When
- On Thursday, one day after a hotel fire killed nine people.
- Where
- Nine guesthouses and four restaurants-cum-bars on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata.
- Why
- The establishments allegedly failed to correct fire-safety shortcomings despite repeated notices.
- Establishments flagged
- 13 total: nine guesthouses and four restaurants-cum-bars
- Location
- Mirza Ghalib Street, central Kolkata
- Previous fire
- A hotel blaze killed nine people the day before the action
- Response deadline
- The establishments were given 24 hours to respond
- Potential action
- Closure orders under Section 37A of the Fire Act
- Cited concern
- Inadequate fire-safety measures posing a threat to life and property
- Fire chief
- Anuj Sharma, Director General of Fire and Emergency Services