Atul Garg Warns Against Converting Residential Structures into Coaching Centers

Former Delhi Fire Service director Atul Garg cautioned parents, students and property owners about the dangers of turning low‑rise residential buildings into coaching centres or PG accommodations. In an interview, Garg explained that the original design of many Delhi apartments does not account for the high occupancy and equipment load typical of educational institutions.

He cited the Satyamev Niketan collapse as a stark example: the block was initially built as a family dwelling, later modified to host a coaching centre and a PG. The surge in daily footfall, combined with added furniture and electrical installations, placed stress on load‑bearing walls and columns that were never inspected for such use.

Garg pointed out that the fire‑service clearance (NOC) is mandatory for buildings taller than 15 metres, while shorter structures follow a different, often laxer, approval process. This regulatory gap allows some owners to bypass safety checks entirely.

The former D.F.S. chief urged the municipal authority to order audits of all residential buildings that are now used for commercial activities. He also recommended an awareness campaign targeting students, urging them to verify fire‑safety certificates before booking accommodation in any PG or coaching centre.