Airport Centre Point being run without fire NOC

NAGPUR: More brazen violations related to Hotel Airport Centre Point have come to fore. The hotel building does not have any permission from the NMC fire and emergency services department. Besides, the building structure is not being utilized according to the sanctioned building plan and comprises excess constructions violating the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act and fire safety by-laws.
Surprisingly, the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) gifted Mulik Layout’s open space to the hotel for expansion but did not identify violations of building and fire safety by-laws. Despite residents of Mulik Layout being opposed to exchange of open space with the hotel owner’s two plots, the NIT had passed resolution entertaining the hotel owner’s application citing citizens’ welfare. TOI had also highlighted how the hotel encroached upon the green belt that is part of the layout’s open space.
Documents obtained under Right To Information (RTI) Act revealed the hotel is not having the mandatory no-objection-certificate (NOC) and permission, needed right from the beginning, from the fire department. The NIT had sanctioned the building plan on February 4, 1991 when the hotel was known as Mansingh Hotel under the control of Mulik Hotels Private Ltd.
Hotel owner Sutinder Pal Singh Arora had applied for fire NOC on July 30, 2013, after passing of 11 years since he took over. A team from Narendra Nagar fire station had inspected the building on August 26, 2013 and slapped the owner with a notice on October 18, 2013.
The fire department had raised nine issues in the notice. “Basement was meant for parking and AC plant, but it was being utilized as godown to stock LPG gas, keep empty gas cylinders, office room, waste material, etc. Sanction is for ground plus three floors but four floors have been built by covering the terrace. Bar and restaurant is being run on the fourth floor and also a tandoor is situated there. There are no fire sprinklers in the basement. Structure is also not utilized according to National Building Code and city’s Development Control Regulations,” the department stated.
The fire department warned of action in case the hotel failed to comply within 30 days from issuing the notice. The department stated application seeking permission will be entertained in case compliances were fulfilled and demanded the structural stability certificate.
The hotel owner had submitted structural stability certificate on November 18, 2014, after 13 months of being served the notice. Fire department sources told TOI many violations still exist in the building. “Fire NOC or permission has not been given to the hotel building till date. Permission will be given only after ensuring compliance on all issues,” the sources said.
The documents also revealed the hotel building hasn’t been issued occupancy certificate.