Fire Safety Lapses Found At Pune Coaching Classes, 500 Establishments Get Notices
Pune, 5th October 2026: Crowded classrooms operating in limited spaces with inadequate emergency exits have raised concerns over student safety in the city. Following inspections of private coaching classes and other establishments, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) fire brigade has found several fire safety lapses and issued notices to around 500 establishments.
The establishments have been given seven days to rectify the deficiencies and implement the required fire safety measures. Failure to comply within the stipulated period could invite penal action, officials said.
Pune, known as an educational hub, has witnessed a steady increase in the number of private coaching classes. Fire brigade inspections found that several classes accommodate large numbers of students in relatively small spaces, raising concerns about whether students would be able to evacuate safely in an emergency.
The civic administration has also found instances where premises constructed with building permissions were subsequently used for commercial purposes without obtaining the necessary permissions for such use.
PMC officials said building permission and permission for commercial use are separate requirements and establishments must obtain the necessary approvals under the applicable rules.
The fire brigade is inspecting fire safety arrangements at coaching classes and other establishments, including the availability of emergency exits, installation of fire-fighting equipment and whether such systems are functional. Officials are also checking whether the equipment is regularly maintained and inspected.
Officials stressed that merely installing fire-fighting equipment is not sufficient and that the systems must remain operational and readily accessible during an emergency.
Chief fire officer Ganesh Sonune said PMC commissioner Navalkishor Ram had directed the department to take action against establishments found violating safety norms.
The establishments have seven days from the date of receiving the notice to rectify the shortcomings. The fire brigade will conduct follow-up inspections after the deadline.
If violations persist, penal action will be initiated as per the rules. In cases involving serious violations, establishments could also face legal action and cancellation of their licences, officials said.
The civic administration said establishments accommodating large numbers of students cannot afford to compromise on fire safety, as inadequate evacuation arrangements could have serious consequences during an emergency. The PMC will therefore focus on physically verifying whether the deficiencies have been rectified within the stipulated period rather than merely issuing notices.
