PRAYAGRAJ, June 5 -- In the wake of the recent fire tragedy in Delhi that left 21 dead and the blaze at Hotel Vitthal in Prayagraj last month, the Fire Department has launched an intensified drive to enforce fire safety norms across Prayagraj. Acting on directives from the state government, officials have begun inspecting hotels, hospitals and other commercial establishments to ensure compliance with prescribed safety standards. Chief fire officer (CFO) Chandra Mohan Sharma said a special inspection campaign was conducted at 18 city hotels on Thursday. He added that similar drives would continue in hotels and other commercial establishments, and notices would be issued wherever deficiencies in fire safety arrangements are found. "Negligence regarding fire safety standards will not be tolerated under any circumstances," Sharma said. The renewed focus on fire safety comes after a major fire broke out at Hotel Vitthal in the Civil Lines area on May 15. Firefighters successfully rescued all occupants, preventing any loss of life, though more than a dozen people were trapped inside the building. According to the CFO, a meeting of hotel owners, operators of commercial establishments and coaching institute managements has been scheduled at the Police Lines on Sunday to review compliance with fire safety regulations. He shared that as many as 98 hotels in the city have failed to respond despite being served notices regarding fire safety deficiencies. Strict action, including sealing of premises, is now being considered against such establishments, he said. The issue has gained significance in the aftermath of Maha Kumbh 2025, during which several hotels were built along the Ganga riverfront and in different localities of the city. Many of these establishments, officials say, lack access routes conforming to prescribed standards. Concerns have also been raised over the construction of hotels within the restricted 500-metre zone along the Ganga, allegedly without adequate scrutiny. Several small hotels have also sprung up along the Gangapath corridor, where guest vehicles are often parked on the roadside, creating additional safety and traffic concerns. Meanwhile, Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) Vice-Chairman Rishiraj said inspections of commercial buildings, hotels, schools, colleges and coaching institutes have been intensified across the city....