Pune: PMC Seals 11 Unauthorised PG Hostels Over Fire-Safety Violations
Pune, 18th September 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Friday sealed 11 unauthorised paying guest (PG) hostels after inspections revealed serious violations of fire-safety regulations.
The action was initiated following instructions from Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, who directed Chief Fire Officer Ganesh Sonawane to inspect hospitals, PG hostels, coaching classes and other establishments across the city. The directive came against the backdrop of several recent fire incidents reported in Delhi, Mumbai, Amravati and other parts of the country.
During inspections conducted in Lohgaon’s Nimbalkar Nagar on Friday morning, fire officials examined around 10 PG hostels. None of the establishments was found to have permanent or temporary fire-safety systems. Several of the hostels were operating from three- and four-storey buildings accommodating a large number of students.
Officials warned that a fire at any of these properties could result in significant loss of life and property. The civic administration has ordered the immediate closure and sealing of establishments that fail to comply with fire-safety norms.
The commissioner also directed officials to take criminal action against property owners who have failed to follow the prescribed regulations. Colleges found to have referred students to unsafe or unauthorised accommodation facilities could also face action.
Officials from the PMC’s Fire Brigade, Building Permission and Encroachment departments have begun jointly sealing the establishments. Inspection teams will also visit schools, colleges, hospitals, PG hostels and other institutions across the city to verify compliance with fire-safety requirements.
According to the PMC, the inspected establishments were unable to produce essential permissions and documents, including building approvals, fire-safety certificates and clearances from the drainage, water supply, garden, structural engineering and property tax departments.
The municipal commissioner has instructed officials to lodge police complaints and initiate strict action against unauthorised buildings and establishments that fail to comply with fire-safety regulations. The civic body has warned that negligence in implementing the directive will not be tolerated.
