Nagpur: Nagpur’s bustling food scene is facing uncomfortable questions over public safety, with hundreds of hotels and restaurants continuing operations without mandatory firefighting facilities. Official data from the Nagpur Fire and Emergency Services Department reveals that more than 300 eating establishments across the city lack adequate fire safety arrangements, exposing patrons and staff to serious risk, a report in a local English daily said.
Among all fire station jurisdictions, the Trimurti Nagar zone has emerged as the most critical, with as many as 72 hotels and restaurants found without proper firefighting systems. Wathoda fire station limits recorded the lowest number at four, though fire officials stress that even a single non-compliant establishment can prove disastrous in case of an emergency, the report added.
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Fire department officers have warned that the absence of major mishaps so far should not be mistaken for safety. “Fire incidents offer no warning or second opportunity. Preparedness is the only safeguard,” a senior official said, adding that the city cannot wait for a tragedy to force corrective measures.
Officials attribute the growing lapse partly to the State Government’s ‘ease of doing business’ policy, which relaxed several procedural requirements for commercial establishments. Earlier, hotels and restaurants were required to submit annual fire safety compliance certificates, confirming that extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers and emergency exits were in working condition. Over time, many establishments stopped following these norms, resulting in widespread non-compliance.
A senior fire officer pointed out that even where firefighting equipment is present, it is often poorly maintained or non-functional. “In many places, extinguishers exist only on paper. During an actual fire, such equipment would fail,” the officer said.
Chief Fire Officer Tushar Barahate confirmed the figures and said enforcement action has already begun. “Strict measures will be taken against violators. The department has started inspections and more action will follow,” he stated.
Police alert triggers inspections
The issue gained further attention after the NMC’s Fire and Emergency Services Department received a list of 20 eateries under Trimurti Nagar fire station limits from the Commissioner of Police’s office. These establishments reportedly serve liquor, prompting the fire department to verify whether they comply with fire safety norms.
Station Officer Suresh Atram said inspections were launched accordingly, with a special focus on Saoji restaurants and roadside dhabas. “Most of the defaulting units are located in Bajaj Nagar, while others are spread across Pratap Nagar and surrounding areas,” he said.
“Our inspections are centred on two aspects, whether the establishment holds a valid fire safety NOC and whether the prescribed safety measures are actually in place,” Atram added.
High-risk localities under scanner
Fire officials have identified densely populated areas such as Trimurti Nagar, Sugat Nagar and Sakkardara as particularly vulnerable due to heavy footfall, cramped interiors and limited exit points. Experts warn that in such conditions, even a minor fire could spiral rapidly into a major disaster.
The fire department is now preparing a comprehensive audit and enforcement drive, which will include surprise checks and penalties against defaulters. Until the drive is completed, authorities have advised citizens to remain cautious and check for visible fire extinguishers, clear emergency exits and functional alarms before dining out.
With more than 300 eateries operating without adequate fire protection, the threat remains largely unseen but ever-present. Officials caution that fire safety is not merely a regulatory formality but a critical public safety issue, one that could mean the difference between a safe evening out and a catastrophic incident.
