Administration in Birbhum has tightened safety rules for hotels and lodges in Tarapith following a major fire at the Bideshini hotel that caused nine deaths. This action comes ahead of the upcoming Kaushiki Amavasya festival, which usually brings lakhs of devotees to the area.
Authorities have issued a nine-point guideline for all hotel and lodge operators to fix their fire safety systems and keep necessary documents ready. Due to shortcomings found in documents and fire safety measures, administration has already ordered 15 hotels to remain closed before the festival.
A special team including the Rampurhat Sub-Divisional Officer, SDPO, fire department officials, and Tarapith police station inspector has started inspecting hotels. The teams are checking firefighting equipment, emergency exit routes, and essential documents. Operators must guide guests about fire safety procedures, and emergency exits must not store any flammable items like gas cylinders or bottles.
Apart from Tarapith, officials have also started checking hotel and security measures in Suri. Police held a meeting with hotel and lodge owners in Suri to review fire licenses, sarais licenses, and electrical wiring to ensure all safety standards are met.
