Strictness after Malviya Nagar fire: Danger of sealing on 250 hotels of Mahipalpur, business running without license
After the massive fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, the Municipal Corporation has started a comprehensive investigation campaign against the hotels and guest houses operating in the capital. Under this action, a large number of hotels in Delhi’s major hotel hub Mahipalpur have come under investigation. According to MCD officials, during investigation, many hotels in Mahipalpur area were found operating without valid license. Taking seriously the cases of violation of rules, MCD has started action against such establishments. On the basis of preliminary investigation, the sword of sealing is hanging over about 250 hotels. Sealing orders have also been issued against many of these hotels.
The Home Department has directed the Delhi Government to investigate the compliance of fire NOC and guest house-lodging house rules in major hotel areas and submit a detailed report. Major hotels and tourist centers like Karol Bagh, Paharganj, Nabi Karim, Chandni Chowk and Mahipalpur have been included in the scope of investigation. To conduct this campaign effectively, joint teams of Delhi Police, MCD, Fire Department and Delhi Tourism Department have been formed. These teams will check fire safety equipment, fire NOC, building standards and licensing rules in hotels and guest houses.
250 hotels operating without license in Mahipalpur
According to officials, around 400 hotels were checked in Mahipalpur area. Of these, only 150 hotels were found to have valid licenses, while about 250 hotels were found operating without the necessary licenses. The process of action has now been started against these hotels. Investigation also revealed that most of the illegal hotels are operating at such places where the width of the access road is less than the prescribed standard. According to the rules, it is mandatory to have a road at least 20 feet (6 meters) wide for the operation of a hotel or guest house. On the basis of this standard, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issues licenses.
Sealing orders issued
After receiving the investigation report, the MCD Commissioner has issued orders to conduct a sealing campaign against the hotels violating the rules. According to officials, a large number of hotels have been found in Mahipalpur which were not given license due to the prescribed width of the approach road not being completed. Despite this, these hotels were operating without valid permission for years. The investigation found that the roads around many hotels were less than the prescribed 20 feet width standard. According to the rules, for the operation of a hotel or guest house, it is mandatory to have a road wide enough so that fire brigade and rescue vehicles can reach easily in case of emergency. MCD officials say that sealing and other legal action will be taken in a phased manner against hotels operating without license.
According to officials, the MCD is examining the rules related to approach roads, building standards and kitchens of hotels. At the same time, the fire department is inspecting the width of stairs, availability of fire fighting equipment, emergency exit routes and other fire safety standards. Delhi Police has been given the responsibility of arranging CCTV cameras installed in hotel premises, security management and checking the entry-exit records of the guests. Additionally, the Delhi Tourism Department is reviewing the validity of Bread and Breakfast (B&B) licenses and other tourism-related permissions. Officials say that after the completion of the investigation, strict action will be taken against those hotels or guest houses which are found violating the rules. This may also include revocation of licenses, sealing and other legal steps.
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