Ludhiana: Fire safety deficiencies have been detected at 51 coaching centres across Ludhiana, raising concerns over the safety of thousands of students attending classes in the city’s rapidly growing coaching hubs. The findings, submitted before the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), have put the spotlight on institutes operating without adequate fire safety arrangements.In an interim report filed before the commission, the fire department said surprise inspections conducted across the city found deficiencies at 51 coaching centres, prompting officials to issue notices to all of them. While eight institutes have since obtained fire safety no-objection certificates (NOCs), two others have applied for the mandatory clearances.Taking note of the report, the commission has directed the assistant divisional fire officer to submit a final action-taken report before the next hearing scheduled for Nov 11.The proceedings stem from a complaint filed by activist Arvind Sharma before the PSHRC in Sept 2024, alleging that several coaching centres and commercial establishments were operating in basements and other premises without adequate fire safety measures.In its response, the fire department informed the commission that only 26 IELTS centres in Ludhiana currently possess fire safety NOCs. It also stated that notices and public advisories had been issued in recent years directing coaching and IELTS institutes to install firefighting equipment and obtain mandatory approvals.The complainant, in a subsequent submission, alleged that unauthorised commercial activity continued in congested tuition hubs, particularly in Model Town and Heera Singh Extension, where several multi-storey buildings have only a single entry and exit point. He argued that inadequate emergency exits, fire-detection systems and evacuation arrangements could pose serious risks during fires, heavy rainfall or waterlogging incidents.The fire department also clarified that permissions for construction and use of basements are granted by the municipal corporation’s building branch, which determines whether premises can be used for commercial or residential purposes.
