Kolkata shuts 919 hotels over fire safety lapses

More than 919 hotels in Kolkata have received temporary closure notices for failing to meet fire safety standards, marking a significant crackdown by municipal authorities on the city's accommodation sector. The action comes as part of enhanced fire safety compliance measures implemented in the aftermath of a devastating hotel fire that claimed nine lives, including seven Bangladeshi nationals.

The closure notices were issued following stringent fire safety audits conducted by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and fire department officials. The inspections examined critical safety features including emergency exits, fire detection and suppression systems, electrical installations, and the availability of certified fire safety personnel at individual establishments.

The mass violations uncovered during the audit suggest widespread non-compliance with building safety codes across Kolkata's hotel industry. Common deficiencies included inadequate emergency evacuation routes, improper maintenance of fire extinguishers, blocked fire exits, and insufficient staff training on emergency procedures.

Authorities have directed hotel operators to rectify identified violations within a specified timeframe before premises can resume operations. The temporary closures represent one of the most comprehensive fire safety enforcement drives in Kolkata in recent years, reflecting heightened public and regulatory focus on hospitality sector safety following the recent fatal incident.