Siliguri, 20th August: Tourism Minister and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh inspected several hotels and restaurants on Station Feeder Road on Thursday to review their fire safety arrangements amid a statewide inspection drive launched after recent hotel fire incidents in Tarapith and Kolkata claimed 18 lives.
The minister visited the establishments along with fire department officials and the Siliguri Municipal Corporation Commissioner. During the inspection, officials checked fire licences, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, safety equipment and compliance with fire safety regulations.
Shankar Ghosh said joint inspections of hotels, restaurants, lodges, shopping malls and other commercial establishments across Siliguri would continue for the next month.
He said establishments with deficiencies in documents or licences would be given one month to rectify them. However, establishments found operating without a fire licence or with serious violations would be temporarily shut until the required licence is obtained and the shortcomings are addressed.
The minister clarified that the drive is not intended to harass business owners but to ensure public safety and prevent accidents by ensuring that all commercial establishments comply with fire safety regulations.