Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) took action on Thursday by shutting down 21 paying guest (PG) accommodations across the city for failing to comply with health and safety regulations. This move is part of the BBMP’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of residents living in PG facilities.
According to a report by the Indian Express, despite repeated warnings and notices, these PGs had not implemented corrective measures. Out of the 21 PGs closed, one was authorised, while the remaining 20 were operating without proper permission. The BBMP invoked Sections 305 and 308 of the BBMP Act, 2020, to enforce the immediate closure of these facilities.
The BBMP has identified a total of 2,193 authorised PGs in Bengaluru. While 1,578 of them are in compliance with the required health and safety regulations, 615 others have yet to meet the necessary standards. This shows the extent of the problem and the BBMP’s focus on rectifying it.
BBMP has set out clear guidelines that PG operators must follow to ensure the safety and comfort of residents. These include:
1. Installing CCTV cameras at key areas such as entrances and exits, with footage stored for at least 30 days.
2. Ensuring each resident has at least 70 square feet of space to avoid overcrowding.
3. Providing clean and well-maintained bathrooms and toilets.
4. Obtaining a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license for kitchens within three months of receiving the BBMP license.
5. Having staff available 24/7.
6. Ensuring the building has a valid fire safety certificate.
7. Displaying emergency contact numbers like the BBMP helpline (1533) and police helpline (101).
8. Keeping first aid kits readily available.
9. Following proper waste segregation and disposal methods.
The BBMP’s actions aim to address safety concerns and ensure that PG accommodations are not only compliant with regulations but also offer a secure living environment for those staying in them.
