Over 100 coaching centres in Karnal running sans fire NOC

A recent fire incident at a coaching centre in Sector 6 has reignited concerns over fire safety measures at study centres across the city. While no major loss of life or property was reported and the affected institute was in possession of a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), the incident caused panic among students, staff and residents.

The incident has shed light on the alarming state of safety compliance among the city’s several coaching institutions. As per the sources, although the exact number of such centres is unknown to the authorities, estimates suggest there are more than 100 operating in the city. Shockingly, only eight to 10 of these have obtained the mandatory fire NoC.

A large number of these institutes operate from multi-storey buildings, many of which lack basic fire safety infrastructure. These include narrow staircases serving as the sole entry and exit point for multiple coaching centres, absence of emergency exits and the use of flammable materials such as wood in temporary cabin constructions. Classrooms often exceed their capacity and hanging electric wires pose an imminent fire hazard.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Uttam Singh has directed Fire Station Officer Rajiv Bhardwaj to conduct thorough inspections of all coaching centres and submit a comprehensive report. “The Fire Station Officer has been instructed to visit these centres and take necessary action as per law,” said Singh.

Bhardwaj confirmed that the Fire Department had already issued notices to 69 institutions that were at present running without NOC “We have issued notices asking them to adhere to safety norms and obtain the required fire NOC. The failure to do so will lead to strict action. As per the directions of the DC, we will again visit all centres in a couple of days to check the compliance,” he said.

The Fire Department has urged all coaching centre operators to prioritise students and staff safety by implementing appropriate fire prevention systems and maintaining compliance with official regulations.