A devastating fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area has resulted in the deaths of 15 students, prompting authorities to revoke residential permits used for commercial purposes and issue demolition notices for the building. The incident has raised serious questions about the enforcement of fire safety regulations and the illegal conversion of residential properties into commercial establishments.
Fire Incident and Casualties
The fire broke out on June 23, 2026, at a coaching centre located in a residential building in Aliganj. According to officials, the blaze started in the basement and quickly spread to the upper floors, trapping students inside. Firefighters managed to rescue several students, but 15 were confirmed dead. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition.
District Magistrate of Lucknow, Surya Pal Gangwar, confirmed that the building was originally approved for residential use but was being used as a coaching centre without proper authorization. “We have revoked the residential permit for commercial use and issued a demolition notice for the structure,” he said. The authorities are investigating whether the building had the necessary fire safety measures in place.
Revocation of Permits and Demolition Notice
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has taken swift action by revoking the building's residential permit, which had been illegally converted for commercial coaching operations. The demolition notice was served to the building owner, citing violations of building codes and safety norms. LDA Vice Chairman Dr. Indramani Tripathi stated, “The building was not fit for commercial use, and we are taking strict action against such illegal conversions.”
The decision has sparked a debate about the prevalence of such unauthorized conversions across the city. Local residents have expressed concerns that many similar coaching centres operate in residential areas without proper safety clearances, posing a risk to students and the community.
Questions Over Safety Enforcement
The tragedy has highlighted gaps in the enforcement of fire safety regulations. According to a senior fire department official, the coaching centre lacked a proper fire escape route and had inadequate fire extinguishers. The building also lacked a no-objection certificate from the fire department, which is mandatory for commercial establishments.
“We had issued notices to several coaching centres in the area about fire safety violations, but compliance has been poor,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This incident could have been prevented if the rules were followed.”
The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. He also directed the Lucknow Municipal Corporation to conduct a survey of all coaching centres in the city to ensure they comply with safety norms.
Impact on Students and Families
The fire has left families devastated. Many of the victims were students preparing for competitive exams. Parents have demanded accountability and stricter regulations for coaching centres. “We send our children for a better future, but they end up losing their lives due to negligence,” said a grieving parent.
Local authorities have set up a helpline for families seeking information about the victims. The identities of the deceased are being confirmed through DNA testing, as many bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Broader Implications for Coaching Industry
The incident has brought the coaching industry under scrutiny. Lucknow, like many Indian cities, has a proliferation of coaching centres operating in residential buildings without proper safety measures. Experts say that the demand for competitive exam preparation has led to a boom in such centres, often at the cost of safety.
“The coaching industry needs to be regulated more strictly,” said Dr. Rakesh Kumar, an urban planning expert. “We need a comprehensive policy that ensures these centres are located in commercial zones with proper fire safety infrastructure.”
The government has announced a crackdown on illegal coaching centres across the state. The Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Department has been directed to conduct surprise inspections and seal establishments that do not meet safety standards.
