The concerns centre on hotels and homestays that were built decades ago, many of which now face operational hurdles due to the stringent compliance
Hotel owners in Himachal Pradesh’s key tourist towns—Shimla, Manali, Kasauli, and Dharamshala—are calling on the government to ease fire safety regulations under the National Building Code (NBC) of 2016, particularly for older buildings struggling to comply with current standards.
The concerns centre on hotels and homestays that were built decades ago, many of which now face operational hurdles due to the stringent compliance requirements. Under present rules, all tourism units must renew their no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department every two years. Although the process has shifted online, the strict fire safety conditions are proving difficult for many, especially heritage and hillside structures, to meet.
“Infrastructure limitations in buildings make it tough to meet the standards set by the NBC. This is directly affecting our ability to renew licences and continue operations,” said one hotelier.
The NBC 2016 mandates comprehensive fire safety provisions, including automated alarm systems, large water storage tanks, sprinkler systems, high-decibel smoke detectors, fire compartmentalisation, clearly marked emergency exits, and regular safety audits. While these norms are crucial for guest safety, hoteliers argue that applying them uniformly across all types of properties fails to consider the practical constraints of smaller, older establishments.
“Unlike sprawling resorts with multiple exits, hotels built in narrow, multi-storey structures have limited scope to add new safety features,” explained a representative of the Hoteliers Association.
Smaller units such as bed and breakfast accommodations and homestays are particularly affected. These properties often operate within compact spaces and are not structurally equipped to undergo major modifications. Many owners say the cost of upgrades is prohibitive, and without some relief, they could be forced to shut down.
In the Planning Area of Himachal’s hills, which comprises a significant portion of the state’s tourism capacity, nearly a quarter of all accommodation falls under the category of small hotels, homestays, and guesthouses. These units play a vital role in supporting the region’s tourism economy, offering affordable lodging and helping spread economic benefits beyond major resorts.
Local hoteliers are hopeful that the government will review the current fire safety framework to introduce more flexible standards for older properties—balancing the need for guest safety with the operational realities of long-established tourism units.
