Daijiworld Media Network – Lucknow

Lucknow, Jun 24: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a statewide crackdown on coaching institutes following a devastating fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area that claimed 15 lives. More than 100 coaching institutes across the state have been sealed for violating safety and regulatory norms.

The inspection drive, ordered by the Yogi Adityanath government, was carried out by joint teams comprising officials from district administrations, police, fire services, development authorities and electrical safety departments. Major cities, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Meerut and Agra, witnessed extensive inspections.

Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said all district magistrates have been directed to conduct a comprehensive survey of coaching institutes operating in their respective districts and prepare a detailed list. He warned that strict action would be taken against institutions operating without registration under the Uttar Pradesh Coaching Regulation Act, 2002.

Authorities intensified inspections on Tuesday, issuing notices and sealing institutions found flouting safety regulations.

In Prayagraj, four coaching institutes, including the Civil Lines branch of Khan Global Studies, were sealed, while around 50 other institutes were identified for action. Fire officials revealed that only 15 of the city's 97 registered coaching centres had obtained the mandatory fire No-Objection Certificate (NOC).

Kanpur witnessed one of the largest enforcement drives, with more than 30 coaching institutes in the educational hub of Kakadeo sealed for violating safety norms. Officials found that several basements approved only for parking had been illegally converted into classrooms accommodating hundreds of students.

Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said the city had intensified its "Safe Institutions, Safe Kanpur" campaign to ensure compliance with fire and public safety regulations.

In Deoria, a coaching centre was sealed for lacking basic fire-fighting equipment, while two libraries were issued warnings and directed to rectify safety deficiencies.

Surprise inspections in Jaunpur uncovered shortcomings in fire safety measures and electrical systems, prompting authorities to issue notices to institutions with inadequate emergency evacuation arrangements.

In Mau, joint inspections by administrative and fire department officials exposed major lapses in fire safety arrangements at coaching centres, malls and restaurants. During a mock inspection, staff at one establishment reportedly took nearly an hour to open an emergency exit.

Special enforcement drives were also launched in Moradabad and Amroha against institutions operating without mandatory fire safety clearances.

Officials in Etah expressed concern over hundreds of coaching centres and digital libraries allegedly functioning in multi-storey buildings and basements without adequate safety measures.

Mathura authorities sealed six coaching centres and four libraries, while in the National Capital Region, two coaching institutes were shut in Noida. In neighbouring Ghaziabad, 56 establishments, including coaching centres, play schools and dispensaries, were sealed for non-compliance with fire safety regulations.

Similar inspection drives were carried out in Varanasi, Meerut, Mirzapur and several other districts, with officials warning of strict action, including sealing of premises, disconnection of utilities and prosecution against violators.

The statewide crackdown follows Monday's tragic fire in Lucknow's Aliganj area, where at least 15 people lost their lives and nine others were injured after a massive blaze engulfed a three-storey commercial building.

The building housed an animation training institute and a pet shop. Most of the victims were reportedly students attending classes at the institute.

The fire broke out around 3 pm on Usha Mehta Marg in the Purania locality, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering panic in the neighbourhood. Several students were trapped on the second floor as the flames spread rapidly through the building.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of the fire while intensifying safety checks across educational institutions throughout the state.