Local authorities in New Delhi are intensifying their efforts to enforce building rules, targeting private PG operators and coaching centers that flout regulations.
New Delhi, India: The municipal corporation of New Delhi is taking a firm stance against private PG operators and coaching centers that continue to disregard building regulations within the city. A comprehensive survey of PG accommodations in all wards of the Civil Line Zone of the Corporation commenced on Thursday.
The municipal corporation has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that strict actions will be taken against those who fail to adhere to building rules, lack the essential fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), and operate PG facilities without proper authorization. Both private and commercial property owners are obligated to comply with building regulations, especially when operating PGs and coaching centers for commercial purposes. Ensuring the acquisition of a fire NOC is an imperative aspect of these guidelines. The Delhi Municipal Corporation will also investigate instances where commercial activities are being conducted within private and residential properties without prior notification to the authorities. Following the initial survey in the Civil Line Zone, this inspection will be extended to encompass the entire city of New Delhi.
The urgency of enforcing building regulations was underscored by a recent fire incident in a residential building located in Mukherjee Nagar. The fire, originating from an electrical meter, prompted immediate response from the corporation’s emergency team, which carried out successful rescue operations. The fire outbreak occurred in close proximity to an area where several pieces of old furniture were stored. At the time of the incident, approximately 10 to 12 girls were residing in the PG accommodation, with 7 to 8 girls present during the fire incident. Tragically, three girls were trapped and suffered from suffocation due to the blaze.
Coaching centers operating without a fire NOC will face imminent closure as part of the stringent enforcement of building rules. The municipal corporation has conducted an extensive survey of properties throughout New Delhi, serving notices to those failing to comply with the stipulated regulations and those lacking a fire NOC. Notably, over 500 coaching centers have received notices, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to ascertain how many centers have successfully obtained a fire NOC. Those unable to secure the requisite NOC within the stipulated timeframe will face imminent sealing and closure of their facilities.
In the Civil Line Zone alone, more than 250 coaching institutions are currently under scrutiny.
A senior municipal corporation officer revealed that Mukherjee Nagar is home to over 250 coaching centers, with an additional 400 operating within the Civil Line Zone. All these establishments are presently under investigation, and notices have been dispatched to seal coaching centers found in violation of the guidelines established in the Integrated Building Bye-Laws and those without a fire NOC. Notably, punitive actions have already been initiated against nearly 20 coaching institutes in Mukherjee Nagar due to a lack of fire alarms, and notices have been issued to seal 80 coaching centers.
