Bhubaneswar, December 10: Following the deadly nightclub fire in Goa that claimed 25 lives, the Puri district administration has ramped up safety inspections in local hotels and lodges. It is observed that there is a lack of fire safety certificates in various hotels in the town. 

In response, notices have been issued to over 30 non-compliant hotels, giving them a one-month deadline to meet fire safety standards or face legal action. While fire safety certification was made compulsory for all hotels by January 2025, around 90 establishments were initially found non-compliant, and despite multiple reminders, 33 hotels still lack the necessary clearance.

Additionally, many accommodations have installed basic fire-fighting systems, but don't meet official standards. The bigger concern is the growing number of unregistered hotels—about 1,500 in total, far surpassing the 1,200 officially recorded.

Puri District Collector Divyajyoti Parida emphasized that all hotels and lodges must obtain fire safety certificates, warning that strict action will follow non-compliance. This is particularly urgent as Puri is one of Odisha's top tourist destinations.