Kolkata Shuts 919 Guest Houses Over Fire Safety Violations

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has issued closure notices to 919 guest houses and hotels after a citywide inspection drive found widespread fire-safety non-compliance.

According to the civic body, joint teams from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, fire services and other agencies have inspected 960 guest houses so far. Only 41 were found compliant with the required fire-safety standards.

Why were the notices issued?

Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey said many of the establishments had deficiencies in their fire-safety arrangements, while some were also operating without valid licences.

The inspections were intensified after the deadly Hotel Shikha Inn fire on Mirza Ghalib Street in August, which killed nine people, including seven Bangladeshi nationals, according to reports.

Establishments served closure notices will have to upgrade their fire-safety systems and obtain a Renewal of Fire Safety Certificate before applying afresh for licences to resume operations. The inspection drive will continue across the city.