In the wake of the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy, Paharganj Lodging House Owners Association president Anil Sharma has underlined the distinction between hotels and Bed and Breakfast (B&B) establishments, particularly regarding fire safety regulations and licensing requirements.
Addressing concerns over compliance with fire safety norms, Sharma said all guest houses operating in Paharganj possess the required Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
“In Paharganj, all guest houses have the required Fire NOCs. There are no Bed and Breakfast establishments operating in the manner being discussed,” he said. “The fire safety norms for Bed and Breakfast accommodations and hotels are significantly different. For a Bed and Breakfast, obtaining a Fire NOC is generally not mandatory.”
Sharma said securing a Fire NOC is the first and most essential requirement for operating a hotel.
“However, if we want to operate a hotel, the very first requirement is to obtain a Fire NOC. Only after that does the MCD issue us a licence to operate,” he said. “Therefore, hotels in Paharganj have Fire NOCs, MCD licences and comply with all applicable DPCC norms.”
Explaining the purpose of the Bed and Breakfast scheme, Sharma said it is regulated by the Tourism Department and was introduced to help homeowners earn additional income by renting out a limited number of rooms within their own residences.
“The idea is that the owner lives on the premises and provides accommodation to guests. This arrangement benefits both homeowners and tourists, especially since Delhi often faces a shortage of hotel rooms while receiving a large number of visitors,” he said.
According to Sharma, licences under the scheme can be obtained for properties across the city. However, he alleged that the establishment linked to the Malviya Nagar fire was operating far beyond the intended scope of the programme.
“Under this scheme, a Bed and Breakfast licence can be obtained for properties across the city. However, in this particular case, the establishment has reportedly been operating around 25 rooms without obtaining a Fire NOC,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of regulatory compliance and fire safety standards following the deadly fire in Malviya Nagar. The incident has reignited debate over the implementation of safety norms and the distinction between commercial hotels and residential accommodation operating under the Bed and Breakfast scheme.
