13 PGs found flouting fire safety norms in Panchkula

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, February 27

Thirteen paying guest (PG) accommodations were found flouting safety norms during an inspection by the Fire Department today and will be issued notices tomorrow.

Shamsher Singh, designated nodal officer for the safety check campaign, said the inspection was conducted in various residential areas, including Sector 10, 11 and 15. “Our teams have gathered details of owners. Notice will be served on the violators tomorrow. We are yet to get fire safety inspection details from Barwala, Kalka and Pinjore. Safety checks will continue,” he said.

In the aftermath of the Chandigarh PG incident that left three girls dead, the MC had constituted four teams, having three members each, for fire safety inspection of paying guests, schools, hospitals, bars and restaurants.

Voluntary disclosure offer by civic body

The MC has come up with a plan to regularise PGs in areas under its jurisdiction, acting upon a letter from Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Ahuja.

“We will provide people an opportunity of voluntary disclosure if they are into the PG business. On non-compliance, strict action will be taken against the violators,” Sumedha Kataria, Panchkula MC Commissioner said.

DC TO CALL MEETING

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Ahuja said on Thursday that he would call a district-level meeting of officials, including those from the Municipal Corporation and the HSVP, for action against illegal PGs being run in the city.

“The HSVP has been asked to take necessary steps against illegal PGs. We will call a district-level meeting for joint efforts on the issue followed by action,” he said.