Jaipur: Days after Jaipur Municipal Corporation sealed coaching institutes and libraries during a fire safety drive following the Lucknow blaze that killed 15 students, basement libraries across Jaipur continue to function.A TOI ground visit to basement libraries in Triveni Nagar and Gopalpura found many operating at full capacity despite apparent non-compliance with key fire and life safety requirements.Damp walls lined with motivational posters, narrow two-foot cubicles and overhead shelves crammed with books and bags were common across several basement reading rooms. With little natural light or ventilation, the spaces remained packed with aspirants preparing for competitive exams.Most of the basement libraries visited by TOI had seating capacities exceeding 100, with the largest accommodating 139 students. Monthly charges of basement facilities typically cost Rs 200 to Rs 300 less than those on upper floors, making them a more affordable option for aspirants.Responses from library representatives varied. A staff member at Shanvi Library in Mahesh Nagar dismissed safety concerns related to flooding or fire. “Why would you think that? Pray to God that nothing like that ever happens,” the staffer said.In contrast, a representative of The Reader’s Library in Visvesvaraya Nagar acknowledged that rainwater could enter the basement during heavy showers but said the library would be shut if that happened. Representatives of Silver Cloud Library in Triveni Nagar and SJ Reading Library on Ganesh Marg, meanwhile, claimed their facilities had valid fire NOCs and complied with safety norms.For many students, affordability leaves little room for choice. “The ones on the upper floors are more expensive, while basement libraries are affordable,” said Riya Singh, 23 , who is preparing for a govt exam at Silver Cloud Library. Dharam Meena, 25 , from Dausa, preparing for the SSC CGL exam at Shanvi Library, said, “Around 90% of the libraries are in basements. A little water seeps in occasionally, but it’s not risky.”Students at Toppers Zone Library and SJ Reading Library told TOI the facilities remained shut for two days during the recent JMC fire safety inspections and resumed operations only after the drive ended. A representative of The Reader’s Library questioned the effectiveness of the drive. “The notices were issued only to establishments on the main road. Officials didn’t even come inside. It was merely a formality,” the representative said.TOI sought a response from the JMC Deputy Commissioner (Fire) Praveen Kumar, but no reply was received till the time of publication.Students continue to rely on these spaces because they are cheaper than alternatives and located close to coaching hubs and residential areas.Following the 2024 Old Rajinder Nagar tragedy in Delhi, the Rajasthan govt, in July 2024, directed authorities to crack down on unauthorised basement libraries and enforce fire and life safety norms. The Supreme Court also termed unsafe basement study spaces “death chambers” and called for stricter oversight.
