The Delhi fire incident that killed 21 persons has raised fire safety concerns in Chandigarh, where many clubs are allegedly operating without proper fire safety compliance.
Recent fires in the city, including incidents that gutted a club in Sector 26 and a shop in Sector 22, have exposed gaps in fire safety arrangements at clubs, restaurants, hotels, and commercial establishments.
Official correspondence between departments reveals large-scale violations of fire safety norms at clubs that thousands of people visit daily.
In a letter, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation’s Fire Department requested the Deputy Commissioner, UT Chandigarh, to take appropriate preventive and regulatory measures under existing rules and licensing provisions to avoid any mishap.
Sources said Fire Department wrote the letter in February 2026 after periodic inspections found widespread building and fire safety violations in clubs.
The letter states that Chandigarh Fire and Rescue Services have inspected fire safety arrangements at nightclubs, discotheques, bars, and restaurants within its jurisdiction.
“During inspections and subsequent follow-ups, it was observed that a number of establishments have not complied with prescribed fire safety instructions and advisories issued by this department from time to time. Despite advisories, notices, and reasonable time for rectification, full compliance has not been ensured by several establishments,” it said.
“The continued non-compliance poses a serious and imminent risk to life and property, especially during peak hours and special occasions involving large-scale gatherings. Any untoward incident could have grave consequences,” the letter added.
“Since effective preventive action — including regulation or restriction of club operations and enforcement of licensing conditions — requires coordinated action with the district administration and other regulatory authorities, it is necessary to apprise you of the ground situation. In view of the above, appropriate preventive and regulatory action may be taken by the district administration under existing rules and licensing provisions in the interest of public safety,” it said.
A team led by former mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla also found multiple fire safety violations in clubs and bars in Sectors 7 and 26 during inspections carried out last year.
Babla said many premises lacked critical measures such as functional fire safety equipment, proper emergency exits, and safe entry and exit provisions. “Since no effective steps have been taken so far, I will raise the issue at the next meeting of the Municipal Corporation’s General House,” she said.
Social activist RK Garg said proper fire safety checks must be conducted at hotels operating in villages.
Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi said he has urged the public to follow fire safety norms. “The MC is committed to ensuring all establishments comply with fire safety norms, but public cooperation is also required in this drive,” he said. He added that the power utility should ensure proper wiring in premises to prevent short circuits.
