LUCKNOW: Shivam Kumar, a resident of a private hostel in Aliganj, is now searching for new accommodation after the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) sealed his hostel due to non-compliance with fire safety norms. He was paying a monthly rent of Rs 10,000 and had put down a security deposit of Rs 4,500, which the hostel authorities have refused to refund.
“I chose this place because it was affordable and close to my coaching and the university. Now, I’m forced to leave without any backup,” said Shivam.
Like Shivam, over 100 students in the city are affected after approximately 20 private hostels were closed due to violations related to building norms and fire safety.
Another student, Aman Yadav, expressed his concerns about the sudden eviction, stating that his already tight budget makes it challenging to find a basic room in the area. Currently, he has no choice but to return to his hometown in Hardoi.
“With exams approaching, I had planned my entire study schedule, but now shifting rooms and traveling has completely disrupted my routine,” remarked Jeevesh Tomar, another hosteller in Aliganj.
“My coaching classes start early, but after the eviction, I’m spending hours searching for accommodation. My preparation has taken a backseat. Even my coaching center has been sealed in Hazratganj,” said Devesh Rai, also a hosteller.
Private hostel operators argue that meeting fire safety regulations is not feasible without significant structural modifications. “To comply with fire safety norms, we would have to make substantial changes, such as adding extra staircases and fire exits, which is impossible in existing buildings,” said Ritesh Jaiswal, a hostel manager in Aliganj.
Rishi Deora, another hostel manager in Aliganj, pointed out that installing necessary systems like hydrants, alarms, and upgrading electrical setups requires heavy investments, which many small operators cannot afford, leading to shut-downs as the only option.
Most of these hostels are older buildings that may need to be demolished and rebuilt to meet current fire safety standards, which also require easy access for fire tenders around the building.
According to the LDA, inspections revealed multiple violations related to fire safety, electrical systems, and emergency preparedness across hostels. The authority has issued a detailed checklist encompassing fire exits, staircases according to national building codes, clear escape routes, outward-opening doors, smoke detector and alarm installations on each floor, provision of emergency exit routes, proper electric wiring, and unhindered fire tender access to buildings from all sides.
