Ludhiana, Jan. 2 -- Municipal corporation (MC) commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal has ordered strict enforcement of fire safety norms across Ludhiana, the state's industrial hub, directing owners of commercial buildings to obtain a fire safety No Objection Certificate (NOC) within 30 days.

Citing provisions of the Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act, 2012, the commissioner warned that failure to obtain the mandatory NOC from the fire brigade within the stipulated period would invite hefty penalties. Authorities may also seal the premises of persistent violators.

MC officials said that all buildings and institutions used for commercial purposes - including educational institutions, coaching centres and industrial units - are required to obta...