KANPUR: In the wake of the devastating Aliganj fire in Lucknow that claimed 15 lives, the Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) has launched a crackdown on coaching institutes and commercial establishments allegedly operating in violation of safety and building norms.According to KDA officials, sealing drives were carried out on June 22 across the city. Three establishments were sealed in Zone-1A, five in Zone-2B, three in Zone-3 and five in Zone-4. Authorities said 22 more establishments have been identified for action in the first phase of the enforcement drive.“The process of identifying, sealing and taking further action against establishments found violating norms will continue,” the KDA said in a statement.KDA Secretary Abhay Pandey said that constructions built contrary to the plans will be sealed.Basements being used for activities other than parking and storage will also be sealed.“This campaign will be run continuously,” he said further.The coaching mandi located in Kakadeo has more than 100 to 150 institutions, including small and large institutions for engineering, medical, civil service, SSC, etc. Here, along with the city, thousands of children come from neighbouring districts to prepare for competitive exams.The action comes amid heightened scrutiny of coaching hubs and commercial buildings across Uttar Pradesh following Monday’s fire at a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, where 15 people, mostly students and trainees, lost their lives.A TOI reality check at major coaching clusters in Lucknow, including Kapoorthala, IT Crossing, Sapru Marg and Shahnajaf Road, found widespread fire safety deficiencies. Several buildings were found to have narrow staircases, exposed electrical wiring, overcrowded corridors and inadequate emergency evacuation systems. In many cases, fire alarms, sprinklers and clearly marked emergency exits were absent.Investigators probing the Aliganj tragedy are examining possible violations of building bylaws, fire safety norms and occupancy permissions. Authorities suspect the absence of adequate emergency exits may have contributed to the high death toll.Officials said the enforcement drive in Kanpur is aimed at preventing similar tragedies and ensuring coaching institutes and commercial establishments comply with fire and structural safety regulations.
