Fire-trap Kachipura eateries served notices, but continue to run

Nagpur: Several restaurants and banquet facilities in the Kachipura-Bajaj Nagar belt continue operating, despite facing sealing orders and utility disconnection notices from Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) fire and emergency services department for non-compliance with mandatory fire safety norms.Documents accessed by TOI reveal at least 19 establishments were issued notices under Section 6 of Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, directing occupiers to install fire prevention and life safety systems. The action was later escalated against many operators, with 16 establishments served notices under Section 8(1), which empowers authorities to seal unsafe premises. Most restaurants operating from PDKV land have narrow internal roads and limited evacuation access in case of a fire.Further, 14 establishments also faced proceedings under Section 8(2)(a) and (b), provisions enabling authorities to snap power and water supply. However, neither NMC's water works department nor MSEDCL has complied with the notices served by NMC's Trimurti Nagar fire station.The records indicate several illegal establishments along Central Bazaar Road, Bajaj Nagar Chowk, Kachipura Road and adjoining East Shankar Nagar areas, have witnessed a rapid growth of restaurants, lawns and commercial occupancies. Documents show most establishments were initially issued notices in June 2024 under Section 6 for deficiencies in firefighting systems, emergency exits, evacuation provisions and other mandatory safety measures. When compliance allegedly remained incomplete, proceedings under sealing and utility disconnection provisions were initiated between Sept 2024 and Aug 2025.Several cases were subsequently referred to the legal department under Sections 36 and 40 of the Act dealing with offences and penalties. These provisions allow prosecution for violating fire safety norms. However, despite stringent provisions, most establishments continue to function. Documents show in many cases the fire department temporarily halted coercive action after operators partially installed firefighting systems or applied for provisional fire approvals. The records further reveal the enforcement drive has continued into 2026, with fresh Section 6 notices issued to additional establishments, including a sprawling wedding lawn in the Kachipura area earlier this year.