Only 80 of 241 hotels meet fire safety norms in Patna: Survey

Patna: A recent fire department survey has raised concerns over guests’ safety in Patna’s crowded hotels, with only 80 out of 241 hotels found fully compliant with fire safety norms.The inspection revealed that 161 hotels are operating while following only partial rules for guest accommodation, putting visitors at risk in the event of an emergency. With Patna witnessing high footfall due to tourism, business travel and student influx, the lack of adequate fire safety measures in a majority of hotels poses a serious threat. Many establishments lack functional fire extinguishers, clear emergency exits and proper alarm systems. The fire department has initiated action and is issuing notices to non-compliant hotels, directing them to upgrade safety infrastructure immediately.Six people were killed after a fire broke out in a hotel near Patna Junction in the state capital in April 2024. At least 30 others suffered burn injuries in the incident. The investigation carried out by the fire department indicated the cylinder explosion led to a massive fire in the hotel. It was also revealed that the hotel was not following fire safety norms.A fire safety audit conducted after the hotel fire tragedy on April 25, 2024 near Patna Junction revealed that 90% of hotels in Patna failed structural fire audits. Most of these are old establishments that had received licences from MSME years ago.The audit found that the physical structure of these hotels does not meet fire safety norms. In case of a fire, timely evacuation would be difficult and fire tenders would struggle to operate around the buildings, said the audit report.District fire officer Ritesh Pandey said, “The inspection was based on availability of emergency gates, excess number of rooms, access space for fire tenders around the hotels and narrow staircases.”Officials said structural changes cannot be made in these old buildings, so NOCs are being issued only on the basis of fire equipment and basic facilities.According to fresh data till April from the fire department, out of 241 registered hotels in Patna district, 161 hotels — about 67% — have incomplete or fully pending compliance with fire safety standards. Only 80 hotels, or 33%, have fully complied and received NOCs.The most alarming picture has emerged from the Lodipur fire station area, a busy and upscale locality. Of the 155 hotels operating there, only 27 — around 17% — have obtained NOCs after full compliance. The remaining 128 hotels, nearly 82%, lack adequate fire safety arrangements.Officials said such negligence in a commercially critical zone could lead to another major mishap.In contrast, suburban and densely populated areas showed better compliance. In Patna City, 12 of 13 hotels — 92% — have met all safety norms, with only one failing.In Kankarbagh, 11 of 13 hotels, about 84%, have cleared the safety audit, while two have partial compliance pending.