Key Update

The Bengaluru South City Corporation on Monday sealed ten paying guest (PG) accommodations after surprise inspections revealed unhygienic kitchen conditions. The action followed several complaints from residents and tenants across Jayanagar, BTM Layout, Bommanahalli Assembly constituency, and other parts of south Bengaluru.

66 PGs Inspected for Basic Safety and Food Hygiene

Corporation officials inspected 66 PG kitchen establishments to verify the availability of essential facilities. These included access to safe drinking water, overall cleanliness, kitchen hygiene, functional toilets, fire safety equipment, CCTV camera installations, and valid FSSAI food safety certification.

Fines Imposed; Non-Compliant PG Kitchens Sealed

Officials said they had earlier issued notices to PG operators, asking them to rectify deficiencies within seven days to continue operations. During Monday’s follow-up inspections, the corporation imposed fines totalling ₹22,500 for various violations. Authorities sealed the kitchens of ten PGs after finding them unhygienic and unsafe for food preparation.

Crackdown Part of Wider Drive Against Unlicensed PGs

The inspections are part of a wider enforcement drive ordered by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to curb unlicensed accommodations. Corporations across the city have conducted raids since November last year, initially targeting PGs operating without mandatory licences.

Fatal LPG Explosion Triggers Tighter Enforcement

The crackdown intensified after a fatal incident in December, when a 23-year-old IT employee died following an LPG cylinder explosion at a PG in Kundalahalli. The six-storey building reportedly housed 43 rooms. Following the incident, the GBA directed all civic bodies to strengthen inspections in accordance with the chief commissioner’s instructions.

Earlier Inspections Uncover Serious Violations

On January 9, the Central City Corporation inspected 321 PGs and sealed two establishments for gross hygiene violations. In Shantinagar, officials faced resistance when the owners of Garden PG allegedly delayed entry for nearly 20 minutes, forcing authorities to seek police assistance. The inspection later found that the PG was operating without a licence and running an unauthorised kitchen on its terrace.

Operators Question Intent Behind Inspections

Despite the enforcement action, some PG operators have questioned the intent of the inspections. They have described the drive as an “eye wash” and alleged that authorities are using it more as a revenue-generating exercise than a genuine effort to address safety and hygiene concerns.

Source: The Indian Express