In a major enforcement drive, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has sealed multiple coaching centres operating illegally out of basements in the city. The crackdown, conducted on Saturday, is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, and prevent tragedies similar to the recent coaching centre deaths in Delhi.
The MCG deployed teams across all four zones of the city to inspect basements being used for unauthorized commercial activities. As a result, three coaching centres in the Old DLF area, Krishna Colony, and Khandsa Road were sealed. Other centres were given a deadline to submit their approval documents by Monday.
MCG Commissioner Dr. Narhari Singh Bangar emphasized that any coaching centre found violating norms would face strict action, including sealing. This is part of a larger initiative that began in June last year, where the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTP) issued 1,150 notices and conducted 750 sealing drives against businesses operating from basements without proper authorization.
Manish Yadav, DTP (Enforcement), stated that basements are strictly regulated under the Haryana Building Code, 2017, and cannot be used for business purposes. They are designated for parking, storage of non-combustible materials, and other specified uses such as air-conditioning equipment and security rooms. Violators are first issued show-cause notices, followed by restoration orders, and then face FIRs or sealing if non-compliance continues.
The crackdown has revealed that several malls and residential plots in areas like South City, Sushant Lok, and DLF Phase 4 are operating businesses from basements, violating the building code. In Sushant Lok, residents have been found renting out basements for additional income, despite the lack of proper ventilation and safety measures.
Fire officials are actively involved in this drive, ensuring that fire safety, light, and ventilation standards are met. According to Gulshan Kalra, Deputy Director of Haryana Fire Services, they regularly conduct inspections, particularly in paying guest (PG) facilities, where many violations have been reported. The new rules under the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, have streamlined the process, allowing fire-safety certificates to be valid for three to five years, depending on the building’s height.
The MCG’s actions underscore the importance of adhering to safety regulations, particularly in spaces like basements that pose significant risks if used improperly. Residents and business owners are urged to ensure compliance with all relevant codes and avoid unauthorized operations.
+ There are no comments
Add yours