LUCKNOW: Following the tragic fire at the Aliganj commercial complex that resulted in 15 fatalities on Monday, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has sealed 71 businesses and issued notices to 83 commercial building owners across the city for violations of building and fire safety regulations. This action marks the first day of an extensive safety drive.
Preliminary investigations revealed significant shortcomings in fire safety protocols and emergency evacuation plans at the Aliganj complex affected by the blaze.
Under the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, enforcement teams, along with representatives from the fire department and Lucknow police, undertook inspections across all seven enforcement zones in the city. The future of the sealed establishments will be determined by the government, whereas those receiving notices must rectify issues within 15 days.
The initiative targets various facilities, including coaching centers, libraries, dance studios, preschools, computer training institutes, blood banks, nursing homes, hotels, and other commercial spaces operating within residential and commercial buildings.
Officials noted that the campaign will extend over the next three weeks, emphasizing compliance with approved building plans, fire safety mandates, including emergency exit provisions, and occupancy regulations.
As reported by the LDA, enforcement zone-7 observed the highest number of actions, with 14 establishments sealed and notices dispatched to 20 others, encompassing Indiranagar and Gomtinagar.
In zone-2, which includes Kanpur Road and Krishnanagar, 16 coaching centers were sealed during inspections, and show-cause notices were issued to 16 building owners for alleged infractions.
The sweep also covered Hazratganj, sealing 14 establishments, including coaching institutes, and providing notices to 20 building owners.
In zone-5, covering Chandannagar and Aashiana, five buildings were sealed, and notices issued to 21 owners.
In areas such as Krishnanagar, Vijaynagar, and Manaknagar, seven establishments, including a hotel and several libraries and coaching institutes, were sealed for operating against prescribed norms. Additionally, six establishments in zone-4 on Sultanpur Road were sealed, with notices sent to seven building owners.
Officials indicated that further actions, including penalties and legal proceedings, would follow against establishments found to be breaching building and fire safety regulations during this ongoing initiative.
