Fire tragedy aftermath: 4 hotels sealed, four others served notices
LUCKNOW: In the aftermath of Tuesday’s fire tragedy at two hotels in Naka area, the Lucknow police, in a joint operation with fire services and other departments, cracked down on hotels violating fire safety norms on Wednesday.
The authorities sealed four hotels, including SSJ International and Viraat International that were engulfed in flames on Tuesday, and issued notices to four other establishments, which too would be sealed as soon as the guests checked out, said officials.
So far, the fire at SSJ and Viraat hotels has claimed six lives, including that of a one-yearold girl. Ten others were grievously injured in the incident. Two 25-year-old women, Rani and Nanhi Devi, suffered around 90% burns and are stated to be critical. Doctors at Civil hospital said their condition was being closely monitored.
SSP Lucknow Deepak Kumar said the drive was carried out by additional SP (west) Vikas Chandra Tripathi and chief fire officer AB Pandey accompanied by officials of the Lucknow Development Authority and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.
“The drive began by sealing of the two hotels where fire broke out. Six more hotels were surveyed to ensure that fire safety norms were being followed. But all were found flouting the rules,” said Tripathi. “Megha and Shakti hotels were sealed after multiple violations of fire safety and other norms were found there. Similar violations were also found at four other places. Their owners were issued notices for sealing. These hotels will also be sealed as soon as the guests check out,” he added.
Tripathi said the drive would be continued to check all the hotels and lodges in the Charbagh area. “Stern action will be taken against hotel owners for flouting norms. FIRs will also be lodged against them if required,” he said.