Surat: In the wake of the recent fire tragedy in Delhi that claimed 21 lives, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has launched a citywide fire safety inspection drive targeting hotels, restaurants, guest houses, lodges, and other public establishments. During the special enforcement campaign, notices were issued to 57 units found violating fire safety norms, while strict action, including the disconnection of electricity and drainage connections, was initiated against serious offenders.

The SMC Fire and Emergency Services Department has directed all city zones to conduct intensive inspections of establishments falling under Schedule III of the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act. Senior fire officials have instructed zonal teams to verify compliance with fire safety regulations to prevent incidents at places that witness large public gatherings.

During the inspections, officials found several serious deficiencies, including non-functional fire safety systems, inadequate emergency exit arrangements, and the failure to obtain or renew mandatory Fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). Authorities said the campaign would continue across all zones in the coming days.

The civic body warned that if any accident or loss of life occurs due to non-compliance with fire safety norms, the owners and managers of the concerned establishments would be held fully responsible. The administration has urged all commercial property owners to ensure that fire safety systems remain operational at all times and that Fire NOCs are renewed before expiry.

According to the SMC, notices were issued to establishments across multiple zones, including Varachha Zone-A, Varachha Zone-B, Katargam, Athwa, and Limbayat.

Among the establishments served notices were Hotel Millennium, Hotel Lenox, Hotel Blue Orchid, Hotel Moonlight, Hotel Lotus, Hotel Shashwat, and Satiam Guest House in Varachha Zone-A; Shri Ganesh Dosa, G-Villa, The D Pizza, The Vishala Garden Restaurant, and Hotel Regency in Katargam; Hotel Lotus, Hotel Laxmi Kuber, Hotel Home Town, La Pino’s Pizza, Real Paprika, and Tonito’s Pizza in Varachha Zone-B; and Hotel Tsar Inn, Hotel France, Hotel De Light, Go Stay Hotel, and several other establishments in Athwa Zone.

In Limbayat Zone, notices were issued to Hotel Dream View, Hotel Infinity, Hotel Happy Inn, Hotel Jerry, Florence Hotel, and Hotel Royal Inn.

Officials said the inspection and enforcement campaign would be further intensified to ensure strict adherence to fire safety regulations across Surat. DeshGujarat