Bengaluru GBA drafts PG safety SOP on fire exits and audits

Fire exits, food hygiene and periodic audits are among the measures being considered for Bengaluru’s paying guest accommodations under a proposed standard operating procedure.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is drafting the SOP to set safety and hygiene standards for PGs. The proposal is expected to cover fire safety, structural norms, provisions for smaller structures, surveillance and regular audits.

A senior GBA official said many PG accommodations have weak compliance with fire-safety norms and that several buildings have rule violations. The authority is considering inspections and enforcement measures aimed at ensuring basic safety requirements.

Food quality is also part of the proposed rules. In September, Food Safety and Drug Administration officials inspected several PG facilities and found multiple violations.

Corporations under the GBA have previously conducted inspections of PGs across the city and fined some operators.

The SOP remains in draft form, and the GBA has not set a timeline for its rollout.