The Bengal Story Bureau: The Uttar Pradesh government has imposed an immediate ban on the operation of coaching centres in basement areas following a fatal fire incident in Lucknow. The state administration has also ordered a comprehensive safety audit of all commercial buildings housing coaching institutes to prevent further mishaps, an official statement confirmed on Wednesday.
New Fire Safety Directives
The directive issued by the Lucknow district administration mandates that all coaching centres currently running in basements must cease operations within 48 hours. Authorities have directed municipal officials to seal any premises found violating these safety norms. This decision follows a devastating fire that broke out in a coaching facility, highlighting the severe risks posed by inadequate ventilation and fire escape routes in underground setups.
Strict Action Against Violators
District Magistrate officials stated that the safety audit will focus on fire-safety compliance, structural integrity, and the availability of emergency exits. Owners of coaching centres are required to submit an affidavit confirming their compliance with the updated fire safety standards. Buildings failing to provide adequate clearance or those operating without proper fire department no-objection certificates (NOC) will face immediate closure and legal action under the Disaster Management Act.
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Impact on Students and Institutions
The sudden announcement has affected thousands of students currently enrolled in competitive examination preparation programmes in the city. Representatives from coaching associations have expressed concerns over the immediate displacement of students, while the administration maintains that student safety remains the primary priority. Officials have advised coaching centres to transition to online learning modes or relocate to compliant, above-ground commercial spaces to resume operations.
What happens next involves a city-wide inspection drive led by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and the Fire Department, which is expected to conclude by the end of this week.
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