14 more hotels to be shut over violations

SIX TEAMS HAVE BEEN FORMED TO INSPECT THE GUEST HOUSES IN

KAROL BAGH AREA

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has cancelled fire safety certificates of 14 more hotels in Karol Bagh area, taking the total number of such establishments to 71.

Delhi Home Minister Satyendra Jain said, “A total of 71 Nocs have been suspended so far. We will not compromise with fire safety. Human lives are precious and their safety has to be given top priority.”

The AAP government had in the past few days cancelled fire safety certificates of business establishments for various violations in Karol Bagh, where a massive fire at a hotel recently killed 17 people, and ordered their closure. The government had i s s ued i nstructions t o municipal corporations and police asking them to seal these establishments in the wake of violations of fire safety norms.

The fire department had on February 13 inspected 23 hotels, out of which 13 were found to be violating fire safety norms.

On Thursday, 22 hotels were checked, out of which 17 were found to be violating laid down rules. On Friday, Jain, who heads the fire department, said that this drive would continue across the national capital.

GC Mishra, Director, Delhi Fire Services, had on Friday informed Jain in the Action Taken Report , “The Licensing Department, the Delhi Police, the Health Department and the North Delhi Municipal Corporation have been informed to stop the running of these guest houses forthwith.”

Six teams have been formed to inspect the guest houses in Karol Bagh area, he said. The inspection shall continue, he added.