CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Statewide Safety Audit After Lucknow Fire
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a comprehensive safety audit of all coaching centers and nursing homes across the state following a fire incident at a coaching center in Lucknow. The fire, which broke out on June 24, 2026, prompted immediate action from the state government to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The CM directed that no coaching centers or nursing homes should operate from basements, citing severe safety risks. This decision comes after the fire in a basement coaching center in Lucknow's Naka area, which raised serious concerns about fire safety measures and emergency exits.
Details of the Lucknow Fire Incident
The fire erupted at a coaching center located in a basement on Wednesday afternoon. According to officials, the blaze started due to an electrical short circuit. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as students and staff were evacuated in time. However, the incident has sparked widespread concern over the safety of such establishments.
Fire tenders reached the spot within minutes and brought the fire under control. The building also housed a nursing home on the upper floors, which was evacuated as a precaution. The district administration has sealed the coaching center pending investigation.
Government's Immediate Response and Orders
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the incident and issued strict directives to the state's urban development and fire departments. He ordered a safety audit of all coaching centers and nursing homes operating in basements across Uttar Pradesh. The audit will focus on fire safety equipment, emergency exits, and compliance with building bylaws.
"No coaching center or nursing home should be allowed to operate from basements. This is a serious safety hazard," the CM said, according to an official statement. He also instructed local authorities to identify such illegal establishments and take immediate action against them.
Impact and Broader Implications
The ban on basement operations is expected to affect hundreds of coaching centers and nursing homes in the state. Many coaching centers in cities like Lucknow, Noida, and Varanasi operate from basements due to high real estate costs. The state government has warned of strict penalties for non-compliance, including cancellation of licenses.
The incident has also reignited the debate on safety standards in private educational institutions. In 2023, a similar fire in a coaching center in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar had claimed several lives, leading to a nationwide crackdown on safety violations. The Uttar Pradesh government's move is seen as a proactive step to avoid such disasters.
Reactions and Next Steps
Local residents and parents have welcomed the government's decision. "This is a much-needed step. We have been raising concerns about safety in these centers for years," said Ramesh Gupta, a parent from Lucknow. The state's fire department will conduct the audits in coordination with municipal corporations over the next two weeks.
The CM has also directed the police to file FIRs against owners of buildings found violating safety norms. The government aims to complete the audit by July 10 and submit a report to the Chief Minister's Office.
