Pune seals 11 PG hostels over fire safety violations

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sealed 11 PG hostels across the city for violating fire safety norms, displacing more than 100 resident students in the process. The action comes as part of a regulatory crackdown to ensure student accommodation meets mandatory safety standards.

The closure follows inspections that revealed the facilities lacked adequate fire safety infrastructure and emergency protocols required under municipal regulations. Officials have directed the hostels to implement comprehensive safety measures before they can resume operations.

PMC authorities have also issued a stern warning to colleges and educational institutions, instructing them not to direct students toward unauthorised or unsafe hostel facilities. The civic body cautioned that institutions flouting the directive would face administrative action.

The drive reflects growing concerns about student safety in India's educational hubs, where rapid expansion of informal accommodation has often outpaced regulatory oversight. Pune, home to numerous colleges and universities, has seen significant growth in PG accommodations catering to students from across the country.