After Lucknow inferno, checks at UP's exam hubs expose major safety lapses
The deadly fire at a commercial building in Lucknow, which claimed the lives of 15 people, has triggered a statewide scrutiny of safety arrangements at
The deadly fire at a commercial building in Lucknow, which claimed the lives of 15 people, has triggered a statewide scrutiny of safety arrangements at private coaching centres across Uttar Pradesh. As thousands of students continue to flock to these institutes every year in the hope of cracking government jobs and competitive exams, a reality check across major education hubs has revealed alarming lapses — from missing fire equipment to questionable building safety standards. Read Full Story While administrations in several cities have launched inspection drives, many coaching centres appear unprepared for emergencies, raising questions over how institutions catering to large numbers of students have been allowed to function without adequate safety measures. PRAYAGRAJ Prayagraj, one of Uttar Pradesh’s biggest coaching destinations, has come under the scanner after inspections exposed serious concerns over safety arrangements at institutes operating in areas such as Katra, Allahpur, Salori, Govindpur and University Road. Following the Lucknow tragedy, several coaching centres were found either locked, shut, or operating with reduced activity. Some institutes reportedly closed their classes and offices, while others avoided discussions over fire safety preparedness. A reality check of coaching centres in the city revealed that safety compliance remains a major concern. Even prominent institutes operating in Katra, including names such as Adda 247 and Azad IAS, were found lacking in basic fire preparedness measures. Sources said several centres did not have adequate fire-fighting equipment, proper water supply arrangements, or infrastructure required to tackle a fire emergency.
City authorities also sealed Khan Global Classes, a coaching institute associated with educator Khan Sir, after finding that the building where the institute was operating had not been approved for commercial use. Students were asked to leave the premises and the office was shut before the building was sealed. Authorities also pasted a notice outside the premises warning that any attempt to break the seal or resume operations without permission would invite legal action, including the registration of an FIR. AGRA In Agra, fire department teams visited institutes in areas including New Agra, Khandari, Dev Nagar and Bhagwan Talkies to assess compliance with safety norms. The inspection revealed several shocking shortcomings. Many coaching centres were found operating without proper emergency exits, fire alarm systems, smoke extraction arrangements and other mandatory safety features. The biggest concern emerged during checks of fire extinguishers installed inside institutes. Several extinguishers were found expired, damaged or completely non-functional. In one case, when officials examined an extinguisher at a coaching centre, it was found that the equipment itself was faulty. A video from the inspection went viral on social media after New Agra Police Station Head Nishamak Tyagi was seen telling the coaching operator that the extinguisher was so ineffective that it “would not even extinguish a matchstick”, let alone control a major fire. Fire officials said notices would be issued to centres violating safety norms and further action, including sealing, would follow if deficiencies were not corrected.
The BriefWire