JAISALMER: In the wake of a tragic fire incident at a hotel in the national capital, Delhi, the administration in the world-renowned tourist destination of Jaisalmer has been placed on high alert. Prioritizing the safety of both domestic and international tourists, the Jaisalmer Municipal Council on Friday initiated a special fire safety inspection drive targeting hotels and commercial establishments across the city.
Surprise Inspections Reveal Widespread Violations
During these unannounced inspections, authorities uncovered numerous safety regulation breaches in several hotels. Inspection teams have issued show-cause notices to nearly three dozen hotels for failing to adhere to fire safety norms and for not possessing valid Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs), causing concern among hotel operators.
Chief Fire Officer Krishna Pal Singh Rathore stated that a dedicated Municipal Council team is conducting detailed evaluations of fire-fighting systems in hotels throughout Jaisalmer.
Alarming Findings
The inspections have yielded alarming results. Of the 20 to 30 hotels thoroughly examined so far, only 5 to 7 were found to have valid fire NOCs and adequate fire safety arrangements. The remaining hotels were found to be endangering the lives of tourists. The Fire Officer issued a stern warning, noting that hotels lacking functional fire-fighting systems, emergency exits, and smoke alarm systems have been served notices and instructed to rectify deficiencies immediately.
He further explained that the law provides for the issuance of first, second, and third notices to violators. If hotel operators continue to ignore safety requirements after three warnings, strict legal action will be taken in accordance with state government guidelines, including the sealing of establishments.
Strong Response from Administration
The administration's tough stance has sparked panic among operators of non-compliant hotels. Municipal Commissioner Lajpal Soudha stated that in view of the rising number of fire-related incidents, all hotels, guest houses, restaurants, bars, rooftop restaurants, petrol pumps, gas filling stations, educational institutions, government and private hospitals, nursing homes, and industrial units operating in Jaisalmer have been instructed to ensure compliance with fire safety norms.
He emphasized that installation of fire-fighting equipment in accordance with Part 4 of the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 is mandatory to ensure fire prevention and protection, and to effectively minimize the risk of fire accidents.
The Commissioner also directed owners of all commercial establishments to install the required fire safety equipment and obtain a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Jaisalmer Municipal Council. He warned that failure to comply would invite action under Section 337 of the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009, as per the prescribed rules and regulations.
