Panchkula: In the wake of a deadly coaching institute fire in Lucknow, Panchkula deputy commissioner Satpal Sharma has ordered a special inspection drive of all coaching centres across Panchkula and Kalka.Supervised by local sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), the safety crackdown aims to enforce strict compliance with the National Building Code, with the DC warning that no compromise regarding student safety will be tolerated.Reviewing the safety arrangements during a meeting at the mini secretariat auditorium, the deputy commissioner directed the district fire officer to enforce full compliance with the National Building Code. He emphasised that the administration will tolerate no compromise regarding the safety of students.The DC ordered that notices be served immediately to institutes operating without a mandatory fire no-objection certificate (NOC). District fire officer Tarsem Rana stated that separate inspection teams have been formed. Under the National Building Code-2016, coaching institutes must have double staircases, two separate exit points, and active sprinkler systems. Rana added that teams are currently inspecting local hotels, restaurants, and bars as well.The fire safety audits will also expand into smaller local markets to generate recommendations for the govt.Shopkeepers Warned to Clear EncroachmentsThe deputy commissioner announced a strict June 25 deadline for removing illegal market encroachments following a recent meeting with market associations. Shopkeepers will face penalties if street vendors or hawkers are found operating directly in front of their showrooms after this date.The administration noted that while an encroachment of one to two feet into the public corridor may be permitted, anything beyond that limit will result in the immediate confiscation of goods. The DC explained that illegal vending causes severe customer inconvenience, hurts established businesses, and causes heavy traffic congestion due to haphazard parking.
