New Delhi: Lovkesh Bajaj, the owner of Flourish Stays, where a fire Wednesday claimed 21 lives, had applied for a guest house licence for another property, Flourish Inn, in 2022, located just 200 metres away. But it was rejected as it failed to meet the required criteria, ThePrint has learnt.
According to a police source, Bajaj’s application was rejected by the Muncipal Corporation of Delhi because Flourish Inn did not have a health trade licence.
The source added that Bajaj then applied for a licence for the same property under the Delhi Government’s B&B scheme in the name of Shrinarayan Sah, and got the licence.
Flourish inn was functioning as a B&B, and on the day the fire broke out, many foreigners were evacuated from this property and shifted elsewhere.
A health trade licence is a permit issued by the Muncipal Corporation of Delhi, authorising a hotel to operate businesses that directly impact public health. The licence, the source explained, is to prove that the hotel meets hygiene, sanitation and safety standards.
The criteria for getting this permit is a proper waste management system, a clean kitchen with safe food storage and pest control, proper ventilation and access to clean drinking water.
“This property was inspected by licencing and it was found that it did not fulfill the conditions to be registered as a guesthouse or hotel. Moreover, it did not have the mandatory fire clearance. So, the application was rejected,” the source said. “After that, the owners applied for a bed and breakfast category, with the Tourism department of Delhi Government under the B&B scheme, which was then accepted,” the source said.
Bajaj had three B&Bs running in the area—Micasa Green, Flourish Stays and Flourish Inn—none of them registered in his name. Micasa Green’s licence is in the name of Radhika Verma (police investigating her link to Bajaj), Flourish Stays’ licence is in the name of Jay Mishra, Bajaj’s accountant, and currently on the run. Flourish Inn’s licence was in the name of Shrinarayan Sah.
Flourish Inn’s website says it is located directly opposite Max Super Speciality Hospital, “making it an ideal choice for guests seeking medical care or accompanying loved ones”.
“For added comfort during extended stays, we offer well-appointed rooms with private kitchenettes, perfectly suited for long-staying medical patients who prefer to prepare meals according to their own dietary needs,” it says.
The source explained that the licence for a B&B can be obtained with much ease as conditions are relatively more relaxed.
“B&Bs have become a menace and in the last two years, many of them have mushroomed illegally in areas such as Hauz Rani,” the source said.
As per the B&B scheme in Delhi, homeowners are allowed to register their residences as legal tourist accommodation. The scheme was first drafted and implemented in 2010 in the run up to the Common Wealth Games. Licences to B&Bs were granted by the Delhi Tourism Department.
According to the rules, however, B&B licences are given only in cases where the owner or promoter of the establishment along with his or her family is physically living in the same establishment and letting out a minimum of one room and a maximum of six rooms (12 beds).
There are two categories of B&B licences—‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’. They are given for three years.
A Delhi Tourism Department official told ThePrint that any individual with a proof of ownership or lease document can apply to be listed as a B&B after providing ID proof, passport size photo and other papers reflecting ownership of property on the official website.
A police verification certificate, self-declaration affidavit regarding the property and fire safety NOC, and proof of a tie-up with a nearby doctor or hospital, is also required.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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