Gujarat: Coaching centres sealed over fire safety concerns in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, June 23 (IANS) Fire safety inspections of coaching centres and educational institutions in Ahmedabad have been stepped up in the wake of the coaching centre fire incident in Lucknow, which claimed at least 15 lives and raised concerns over compliance with fire safety norms in educational buildings across the country.
The incident in Lucknow occurred on Monday in the Aliganj area, where a fire broke out in a three-storey commercial building housing a coaching institute and other commercial establishments.
According to reports, the blaze spread rapidly through the structure, trapping students inside and leading to panic and chaotic attempts to escape, including jumping from windows.
Rescue teams later recovered multiple bodies from the site, and several injured persons were admitted to the hospital.
Following the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh authorities ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the circumstances of the fire, along with action against alleged violations of safety and building regulations.
State authorities also initiated a wider crackdown on coaching centres and educational establishments across several districts, with inspections and sealing actions reported in multiple locations.
Against this backdrop, Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services carried out a targeted inspection drive across tuition classes, coaching institutes, computer education centres and other educational institutions in the city.
Officials said the campaign was aimed at checking basic fire safety arrangements, including fire extinguishers, emergency exits, passageways, electrical safety systems and other primary safeguards, including in units not formally required to hold fire safety certificates.
The inspection drive was conducted on Tuesday across the North-West Zone, where various fire stations examined multiple institutions for compliance. Authorities issued notices to several establishments after identifying deficiencies in fire safety arrangements.
The institutions that received notices included Aayatan Academy, P.M. Bhatt Tuition Class, Sigma Novo Classes, Future Path Education, Ahuja Education, G-Tech Computer Education, Dwarkesh Education Institute, Yathashakti Education Institute, J.K. Shah Coaching Institute in Navrangpura, Rajshree Study Centre in Naranpura, Allen Career Institute on Sindhu Bhavan Road in Thaltej, Aakash Educational Services in Thaltej, Unacademy near Lady Talav in Thaltej, Amor Design Institute in Vastrapur, Yash Classes at Mansi Cross Road, Paresh J. Salot Classes and Aloha Classes in Saman Complex, Mansi Cross Road.
During the same inspection drive, officials found that Navkar Digital Institute’s fire safety certificate had expired. The unit was subsequently sealed in accordance with applicable provisions.
Fire officials said the drive was part of intensified preventive measures to ensure minimum safety standards in educational spaces with high student footfall.
Authorities have urged all institutions to maintain functional fire safety equipment, clear evacuation routes and valid compliance documentation, stating that further enforcement action will continue against establishments found in violation of regulations.
–IANS
mys/dan