Lucknow: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), along with fire safety department and other departments, has cracked down on commercial buildings violating fire safety and building norms, but many residents, activists and groups fear that it may fizzle out after sealing of some buildings and minor action against some staff members, as witnessed during similar exercises in the past. This time, people want a lasting solution to the problem and fixing the responsibility of officials who were supposed to check such violations from happening in the first place.They said there were two major hotel fire tragedies — Hotel SSJ-Virat in 2018 and Levana Suites in 2022 — which exposed serious safety violations and led to multiple deaths. In both cases, inquiries identified officials and the LDA recommended action.However, investigations slowed over time and administrative response weakened. Most senior officials, including PCS officers, were cleared, while others received minor penalties such as pension cuts, demotion or temporary suspension.With 11 deaths in the two incidents and limited accountability, residents fear the ongoing Aliganj fire probe may follow a similar pattern unless time-bound action is ensured. Similar concerns persist in the Transportnagar building collapse in July 2024, in which eight people died and 27 were injured, but no action has been taken against LDA officials so far.“After two years of pain, we still ask why there is no action against those responsible for my son’s death. Despite violations that continued for 10 years, no LDA officer stopped the violation,” said Gurmeet Sahni, father of Jasmeet. “Authorities must expedite the process to punish the guilty,” he added.Advocate Narendra Kashyap, who has pursued both hotel fire cases, said disciplinary action remained mild despite the loss of lives. “A large number of officials were cleared after prolonged inquiries. Even those found guilty received minor penalties such as pension cuts, demotion or suspension followed by reinstatement. No strict or lasting action was taken,” he said.Raj Narayan Singh, spokesperson of the Transportnagar Trade Association and Warehouse Owners’ Association, said sealing drives after incidents hurt business owners, while officials often escape accountability. “Some remain under suspension briefly and later return to duty. Officials who allowed violations must face strict punishment,” he said.Social activist Anju Varshney said action should not end with sealing buildings. “People lose faith when inquiries are delayed and responsibility remains unclear. The administration must ensure time-bound investigations and equal accountability of both violators and officials,” she said.When asked about the limited action against officials, a senior LDA officer, requesting anonymity, said, “The reports against officials were sent by the LDA to the state govt. The action was taken by the govt, and those found guilty have been punished.”
