Seven-day safety deadline for PGs, hostels after Bengaluru fire kills tech employee

Bengaluru:

In the aftermath of a fire incident at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Bengaluru that claimed the life of a young tech employee, civic authorities have issued a city-wide safety advisory to all PGs, hostels and service apartments, granting them seven days to comply with prescribed fire and public safety norms.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), through the Bangalore East City Corporation, said the directive follows a recent tragic gas blast and fire reported at a PG/service apartment in the city, which resulted in loss of life and serious injuries.

Bengaluru East Corporation has the highest number of PGs, owing to concentration of jobs.

Expressing concern over recurring safety lapses in shared accommodation facilities, the authority said the move was aimed at preventing similar incidents.

As part of the advisory, all PG, hostel and service apartment owners and operators within the jurisdiction of the Bangalore East City Corporation have been directed to immediately review, rectify and ensure compliance with safety requirements.

These include authorised use of LPG and gas connections, prohibition of illegal or unsafe cylinders, adequate ventilation, functional fire extinguishers and emergency exits, electrical safety to prevent overloading, and possession of valid trade licences and registrations.

The civic body has granted a seven-day window from the date of the press statement for establishments to set right deficiencies and meet all applicable legal and licensing conditions.

Officials said that once the deadline lapses, special inspection drives will be carried out by public health and civic enforcement teams.

Strict action will be initiated against non-compliant establishments, including closure or sealing of premises, suspension or cancellation of trade licences, and penal proceedings under the Greater Bangalore Authority Act, 2024, and other applicable laws. Prosecution may also be initiated in cases where violations are found to endanger life and safety.

The authority urged PG, hostel and service apartment operators to treat the directive with utmost seriousness, stressing that public safety is non-negotiable and that compliance is essential to safeguard residents and the wider public.