Fire safety in Kolkata hotels has come under scrutiny after two tragic fire incidents claimed several lives. Following the incidents, authorities have stepped up inspections and started taking action against hotels that fail to follow fire safety rules. Read on to know more!
Several Hotels Shut Down In Kolkata
On Friday, August 21, the West Bengal government shut down 13 hotels in Central Kolkata. According to Hindustan Times, the authorities also asked 16 others to vacate for violating fire safety norms. In addition, more than 50 hotels across Kolkata and 29 hotels in other districts received show-cause notices.
The hotels facing action are located in areas such as Mirza Ghalib Street, Marquis Street and SN Banerjee Road. During the inspection, authorities found that some hotels were operating without valid fire licences, while some had licences that expired four to five years ago. Several hotels also lacked proper emergency exits or had locked emergency gates.
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Fire Incidents In Kolkata
The authorities took this action following the fire at Shikha Inn Hotel in central Kolkata. The terrifying incident took place early in the morning and killed nine people, while authorities rescued at least 80 others. Police have arrested the hotel’s lease holder and owner Bireshwar Mitra.
The government has also started taking action in Tarapith, a temple town in Birbhum district. A hotel fire there on Monday killed nine people, including two children. Authorities have already shut down 15 hotels in Tarapith following the incident. Speaking on the inspiection, the authorities mentioned that they will not stop even after shutting down 100 hotels.
We hope hotels soon understand the importance of fire safety rules and follow them!
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FAQs
Why hotels are getting shut down in Kolkata?
The hotels in Kolkata are getting shut down over fire safety violations.