According to a recent official survey, only 93 out of 2,600 hotels, guest houses, and restaurants in Lucknow hold a valid fire no-objection certificate (NOC). The highest number of these unregulated establishments is concentrated in Charbagh, Arya Nagar, Moti Nagar, Pandariba, Naka Hindola, Hussainganj, and Lal Kuan—areas where narrow lanes and congested layouts further complicate emergency access.
Rampant violations put lives at risk
More than 350 hotels and hundreds of eateries in the above mentioned localities operate without fire safety approvals. Many breach zoning laws and obstruct roads critical for fire and emergency services. Common violations include buildings with a single entry-exit point, absence of fire alarms and smoke detectors, poor ventilation, and dangerously narrow staircases. Electrical audits are long overdue, and water supply systems are often inadequate or non-existent.
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Authorities under pressure to act
Despite numerous warnings, little enforcement has taken place, allegedly due to the political and financial clout of hotel operators. Chief Fire Officer Mangesh Kumar was reported saying that 135 hotels had been issued notices, and licence cancellation was recommended for 80 of them. Fire department is are now coordinating with LESA to disconnect electricity to non-compliant hotels and 73 nursing homes.
Furthermore, District Magistrate plans for sustained enforcement. Premises that fail to comply must be sealed, and licences revoked. The fire department, municipal corporation, LDA and LESA must work together to ensure accountability, he said.
