In the aftermath of the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, the Paharganj Lodging House Owners Association has clarified the regulatory differences between hotels and Bed and Breakfast (B&B) establishments concerning fire safety norms and licensing.
Association President Defends Hotel Compliance
Anil Sharma, president of the association, stated that all guest houses in Paharganj possess the required Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs). He emphasized that hotels in the area strictly adhere to fire safety regulations, while many B&B establishments are exempt from obtaining such certificates.
“In Paharganj, all guest houses have the required Fire NOCs. There are no Bed and Breakfast establishments operating in the manner being discussed,” Sharma said. “The fire safety norms for Bed and Breakfast accommodations and hotels are significantly different. For a Bed and Breakfast, obtaining a Fire NOC is generally not mandatory.”
Licensing Process for Hotels
Sharma explained that securing a Fire NOC is the primary requirement for operating a hotel. Only after obtaining this certificate does the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issue a license. He added that hotels in Paharganj comply with all applicable Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) norms as well.
“However, if we want to operate a hotel, the very first requirement is to obtain a Fire NOC. Only after that does the MCD issue us a licence to operate,” he said. “Therefore, hotels in Paharganj have Fire NOCs, MCD licences and comply with all applicable DPCC norms.”
Bed and Breakfast Scheme Explained
Sharma elaborated on the purpose of the Bed and Breakfast scheme, which is regulated by the Tourism Department. The scheme was introduced to allow homeowners to earn additional income by renting out a limited number of rooms within their own residences, with the owner living on the premises.
“The idea is that the owner lives on the premises and provides accommodation to guests. This arrangement benefits both homeowners and tourists, especially since Delhi often faces a shortage of hotel rooms while receiving a large number of visitors,” he said.
According to Sharma, licenses under the scheme can be obtained for properties across the city. However, he alleged that the establishment linked to the Malviya Nagar fire was operating far beyond the intended scope of the programme. “Under this scheme, a Bed and Breakfast licence can be obtained for properties across the city. However, in this particular case, the establishment has reportedly been operating around 25 rooms without obtaining a Fire NOC,” he said.
Renewed Scrutiny After Fire Incident
Sharma’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of regulatory compliance and fire safety standards following the deadly fire in Malviya Nagar. The incident has reignited debate over the implementation of safety norms and the distinction between commercial hotels and residential accommodations operating under the Bed and Breakfast scheme. Authorities are now reviewing the regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
