From Delhi's Rajinder Nagar to Lucknow: Are fire safety lessons still unlearnt?

Nearly two years after three UPSC aspirants died in a flooded coaching centre basement in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar, and days after a devastating fire in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow claimed 15 lives, Aaj Tak's Special Investigation Team has uncovered fresh concerns about safety violations, basement misuse and questionable operations across parts of the national capital.

The investigation found coaching classes and libraries operating in basements, while several properties registered under Bed and Breakfast schemes appeared to be functioning like hotels, raising questions about enforcement, oversight and public safety.

THE SHADOW OF RAJINDER NAGAR

The deaths of three UPSC aspirants at Rau's IAS Study Circle on July 27, 2024, had triggered nationwide outrage. The basement, approved for parking and storage, was allegedly being used as a library when floodwater entered the premises.

The tragedy led to promises of stricter action against basement misuse and safety violations. However, the Aaj Tak SIT investigation suggests that risky practices continue in several parts of Delhi.

BASEMENT LIBRARY WITH BIOMETRIC ACCESS

In Delhi's Yamuna Vihar, the team visited Future World Technical Institute, where a basement had been converted into a library.

The facility featured around 25 study cubicles inside a room measuring roughly 10 by 10 feet. Entry was controlled through a biometric system.

When asked about the facility, manager Rakesh said, "1,500 for 13 hours... that's for the full day."

"Inside the library, we have Wi-Fi and a water cooler. You only need to go upstairs to use the washroom."

The investigation also found SSC coaching classes operating within the basement area.

When asked if coaching classes were also being conducted there, he replied, "Yes, they do conduct classes."

Asked about ownership of the premises, he said, "No, it doesn't belong to me. It's on rent. I look after the entire management upstairs."

When asked whether coaching activities were taking place, he said, "Yes, coaching classes are conducted here."

COACHING CLASSES FROM TOP FLOOR TO BASEMENT

Just a short distance away, Horizon Academy was found conducting coaching classes for NEET and IIT aspirants across multiple floors, including the basement.

A representative at Horizon Academy said, "There are four subjects. The fee for students is Rs 36,000."

Asked about the number of students in a class, he said, "For Class 10, there can be around 30 students."

Staff members later showed classrooms on the upper floor and then guided reporters to basement classrooms.

When asked whether classes were also being held in the basement, the response was, "Yes."

The findings raise questions over whether such basement usage complies with safety norms and whether emergency evacuation systems, fire safety measures and occupancy limits have been adequately assessed.

PAHARGANJ'S B&B PUZZLE

The investigation also turned its focus to Delhi's Paharganj area, where several properties registered under the Bed and Breakfast scheme appeared to be operating on a scale more commonly associated with hotels.

At The Yuvaan B&B, reporters encountered narrow, winding lanes leading to a multi-storey property.

A staff member explained room rates and facilities before revealing that the property had 16 rooms spread across four floors.

"There are 16 rooms here. At present, all 16 rooms are occupied. The property is spread across four floors," he said.

The narrow access routes raised concerns over how quickly emergency services could reach the area during a fire or other disaster.

QUESTIONS OVER NIDHI CERTIFICATION

Another property, Blue Berry in Multani Dhanda, offered eight rooms and operated through a narrow staircase.

A staff member identified as Nadeem said, "We have only eight rooms. One room costs Rs 1,500."

The property displayed a certificate linked to the NIDHI portal and Delhi Tourism.

However, the investigation found that such certification should not automatically be interpreted as final government approval for operating a hotel or guest house.

This raises broader questions about whether some establishments are using such certifications to project themselves as fully authorised hospitality businesses without meeting all regulatory requirements.

STORAGE, MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL CONCERNS

The investigation also examined documents and local records linked to one property.

The building, constructed on a plot of around 50 square yards, was found to contain cardboard storage on the ground floor, potentially increasing fire risks.

Laser-based plastic cutting machines were also seen operating within the premises.

Perhaps most strikingly, an electricity pole appeared to run through part of the building structure.

Documents reviewed during the investigation suggested that BSES had previously written to Nabi Karim police station seeking action in the matter.

UTTAM NAGAR PROPERTIES UNDER SCRUTINY

In Uttam Nagar, the investigation found similar questions surrounding properties registered under the Bed and Breakfast scheme.

At SJ Residency, manager Anamika told reporters that the property had 27 rooms spread across four floors.

"A room will cost you Rs 800. We currently have 27 rooms. The property is spread across four floors," she said.

The scale of operations has raised questions over whether the property fits within the intended framework of a Bed and Breakfast scheme or functions more like a commercial hotel.

MORE QUESTIONS AT BLUE MOON HOTEL

The team also visited Blue Moon Hotel, another property operating under the Bed and Breakfast scheme.

When asked about room availability, staff said, "We have 14 rooms in total, seven air-conditioned and seven non-air-conditioned."

The displayed permission document referred to a limited number of rooms being allowed for rental use on each floor, prompting questions over whether actual operations match approved conditions.

A PATTERN ACROSS LOCATIONS

Though the investigation covered different types of establishments, a common pattern emerged.

In Yamuna Vihar, questions centred on basement libraries and coaching centres.

In Paharganj, concerns focused on multi-storey B&B properties operating through narrow lanes and questions surrounding certifications.

In Uttam Nagar, room numbers and the scale of operations raised concerns about whether some properties had moved beyond the intended scope of the Bed and Breakfast scheme.

Across all three locations, the investigation found recurring issues involving safety standards, regulatory compliance and the gap between official rules and ground realities.

THE BIG QUESTION

The Lucknow fire tragedy and the Rajinder Nagar coaching centre deaths prompted demands for accountability and reform.

Yet the Aaj Tak SIT investigation suggests that potential risks may still exist in places where students study, guests stay and people gather every day.

The central question remains: do authorities act only after a tragedy strikes, or can risks be identified and addressed before lives are lost?

That question now hangs over not just a few buildings in Delhi, but over the broader system responsible for enforcing safety regulations.

- Ends