Chandigarh steps up drive, seals 2 illegal PGs

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 27

Stepping up its drive against unauthorised paying guest (PG) accommodations, the UT Administration today sealed two illegal PGs in the city.

The Administration had passed sealing orders against six illegal PGs, of which two were sealed today.

The action came after three girl students lost their lives in a fire at an unregistered PG accommodation in Sector 32 on February 22.

Under a series of inspections conducted in various sectors during the past few days, inspections were conducted at the SDM level today also to check illegal operations of PGs.

The Estate Office today received 35 complaints on its helpline number 1860-1802067. Any citizen can call on the helpline and provide information about any illegal paying guest facility in the city.

Eighteen complaints were received from areas under South subdivision, seven from Central subdivision, and 10 from East subdivision. A total of 81 complaints have been received by the Estate Office on its helpline in the past three days.

To facilitate speedy registration of PGs, a help desk has also been set up at the reception centre of the Estate Office. The applicants must ensure that they fulfil the conditions under the policy. The desk received only one application today. It has received four applications in the past two day.

For the safety and security of people staying as paying guests, the Administration has decided to frame stringent guidelines for registration of PG accommodations.

The Administration is planning a few changes in the proposed policy, which will be notified soon. The changes include mandatory fire clearance for PG accommodations, annual renewal of licence after due inspection instead of one-time permission, an exclusive enforcement squad for regular checking of premises and capacity of each PG to be decided on the basis of the size, toilets and space.

An official said suggestions from stakeholders could also be invited before framing of the policy.

Four more PGs to be closed soon

• The Estate Office on Thursday received 35 complaints on its helpline number
• 1860-1802067
• Four more illegall PGs to be shut soon