AMC seals six hotels in Ahmedabad over fire safety violations, launches enforcement drive in Bodakdev-Thaltej

The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sealed six hotels in the city's north-west zone after detecting serious violations of fire and life safety regulations during a special inspection drive aimed at strengthening public safety in commercial establishments.

The joint operation, conducted by the AMC's Fire and Emergency Services Department and Estate Department on June 16, targeted hotels, restaurants and establishments with kitchens and guest accommodation in the Bodakdev and Thaltej areas. Officials said the inspections focused on compliance with the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act and Rules, the General Development Control Regulations (GDCR), the National Building Code (NBC) Part IV on Fire and Life Safety, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms, and other applicable statutory provisions.

Following the inspections, the civic body sealed six establishments for alleged non-compliance with mandatory fire safety requirements. The sealed properties are Hotel Rudra at New York Tower on S.G. Highway, Hotel 4 Food in Thaltej, Hotel Cape Town in Thaltej, Apollo Hotel in Bodakdev, Hotel Lake Inn on Gurukul Road in Vastrapur, and Hotel Grant Inn in Bodakdev.

According to AMC officials, the enforcement action forms part of a broader initiative to ensure that commercial establishments handling large public footfall maintain adequate fire prevention systems and emergency preparedness.

During the audit, inspectors examined a wide range of fire and life safety measures. These included the availability and functioning of kitchen hood fire suppression systems, grease filter and duct cleaning records, LPG leak detection systems, emergency gas shut-off valves, compliant LPG manifold rooms, portable fire extinguishers, fire-rated exhaust ducts, flame failure devices and pipeline safety testing.

Officials also assessed building safety features such as unobstructed emergency exits, operational fire escape staircases, illuminated exit signage, refuge areas, fire-rated and smoke-stop doors, occupancy limits, clear evacuation routes, designated assembly areas and displayed evacuation plans.

The inspection further covered the operational status of fire alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems, wet risers, hydrants, hose reels, fire pumps, underground and terrace water storage facilities, diesel engine pumps and jockey pumps. Electrical fire safety measures, including electrical audits, earthing systems, lightning protection, fire-safe electrical panels, overloaded circuits, loose wiring, thermal scanning audits and fire protection arrangements in generator and battery rooms, were also verified.

AMC warned that establishments found committing serious violations could face stringent action, including sealing of premises, suspension or cancellation of Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs), financial penalties, prosecution, recommendations for cancellation of trade licences, prohibition on the use of hazardous premises and emergency closure orders in the interest of public safety.

The civic body also outlined several measures to strengthen fire risk mitigation across Ahmedabad. These include mandatory installation of automatic sprinkler systems in all hotels, wet chemical fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens, AI-enabled smoke detection systems, quarterly fire safety audits, monthly mock evacuation drills, 24-hour fire control rooms, appointment of dedicated fire safety managers, implementation of kitchen grease management programmes, occupancy monitoring systems and timely rectification of fire safety deficiencies.

In its advisory, the AMC cautioned that even a single blocked emergency exit, a malfunctioning fire alarm or an uncleaned grease-laden kitchen exhaust duct could lead to catastrophic loss of life during a fire.