Pune, 19th September 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sealed 11 unauthorised paying guest (PG) hostels in Lohgaon and Nimbalkar Nagar after inspections found violations of fire safety regulations and other mandatory civic requirements.
The action was taken on the directions of PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram as part of a wider fire safety inspection drive following fire incidents reported across the country.
A joint team from the Fire Department, Building Department and Encroachment Department carried out inspections in the Lohgaon area and found several hostels operating without the required safety arrangements and permissions.
The inspections found that some three- and four-storey buildings were housing more than 100 students each without adequate fire safety equipment. Officials also found that the properties did not have required permissions related to building construction, drainage, water supply, structural audits and Fire Department No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Following these violations, the 11 PG hostels were sealed. Commissioner Navalkishor Ram has directed officials to initiate criminal cases against property owners operating unauthorised hostels and putting students' safety at risk.
The inspection also revealed that some colleges had reportedly referred students to these unauthorised hostels. The PMC has warned that legal action could be taken against educational institutions if they are found to be facilitating or recommending such establishments despite the lack of required approvals.
The PMC said the inspection drive will now be expanded to other establishments across Pune. Schools, colleges, hospitals, PG hostels and other premises will be checked for fire safety compliance and mandatory permissions. Action will be taken against establishments found violating the rules.