Lucknow, June 5 -- The Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA) is set to comprehensively review electricity connections issued to guest houses, hotels and commercial establishments operating in narrow lanes across the city. Officials say the exercise has gained urgency following the Delhi fire tragedy, which highlighted the dangers posed by buildings lacking adequate fire safety infrastructure. The move follows growing concerns over safety violations in congested commercial areas. This step is part of a wider safety audit that the fire department and power authorities are conducting jointly to identify buildings posing a potential risk during emergencies. Hotels and guest houses located in narrow lanes will have a deadline of 15 to 20 days to obtain mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the fire department. Failure to comply could result in action, including disconnection of the electricity supply. Authorities are also preparing to tighten norms for granting and renewing commercial electricity connections in basement establishments and commercial complexes situated in congested markets such as Aminabad Medicine Market, Mohan Market and Naza Market. Officials believe these areas are particularly vulnerable due to restricted access for emergency vehicles and evacuation challenges during fire incidents. A joint inspection team will examine emergency exits, fire-fighting systems, fire extinguishers, electrical wiring, sanctioned power load and other safety parameters in hotel buildings and commercial premises. Chief fire officer (CFO) Ankush Mittal reportedly wrote to the power department seeking disconnection of electricity supply to seven hotels allegedly functioning without required fire safety measures. However, no action has been taken so far and the establishments remain operational. Among them is a hotel on Gurudwara Road in Naka and another in Viraj Khand, Gomti Nagar. A hotel in Lal Kuan reportedly has multiple guest rooms in its basement, while a restaurant near the Lucknow Municipal Corporation headquarters in Hazratganj is functioning from a basement area where a tandoor furnace is also installed. Ram Kumar, chief engineer, LESA, said directly linking electricity connections to fire safety compliance indicates that commercial establishments may no longer be able to operate without meeting mandatory safety requirements. htc...