Bengaluru Municipality Issues Fresh Guidelines For PGs For Security And Hygiene Practices

After the murder of a woman at a Paying Guest in Koramangala last month, there has been quite an uproar. The demand for the safety of inhabitants has gained importance and amid this, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued fresh and strict guidelines to be followed by all PG accommodation in the city to issue and renew their trade licenses as per Section 305 of the BBMP Act, 2020. The new regulations have been introduced to ensure safety and prioritise hygiene and overall well-being of the residents in these accommodations.

As per the new guidelines, if PG owners violate any of them, their licenses will be immediately cancelled. Regulations regarding CCTV installation and footage, occupancy norms and other such have been revised. According to BBMP health officials, “Under the BBMP ACT-2020, the guidelines should be compulsorily followed to get a license for new PG facilities and also to renew the existing ones. If the owner fails to follow these guidelines, his/her license will be cancelled and the facility will be sealed. Zonal health officers, medical officers and senior health inspectors will be ensuring that all the PGs follow the renewed guidelines and conduct inspections every six months.

Here are the new guidelines-

Every PG accommodation in the city must have CCTV cameras at all entry/exit gates and premises of paying guests. Further, CCTV footage should be saved in hardware and software backup storage for 90 days.

It has been mandated that every resident/occupant should have a minimum of 70 square feet of space. Trade licenses will be issued based on the PG’s capacity to house occupants and will help prevent overcrowding.

Potable water with a must supply of 135 litres per capita per day and clean and hygienic washrooms have been mandated. In-house kitchens must have a Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) license within three months of receiving a trade license.

At least one security guard with verified credentials must be present 24X7.

Every PG must have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire and Emergency Service Department.

PGs must have easy-to-access first-aid kits at their premises as well.