In the wake of the Hauz Rani fire disaster that claimed 21 lives, the Delhi government on Wednesday ordered a month-long city-wide enforcement drive against fire safety violations, ordering authorities to close non-compliant hotels, hostels, hostels, nursing homes, coaching centres, restaurants and other vulnerable business establishments.
The decision was taken at a high-level emergency review meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood, and attended by senior officials from the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Disaster Management Authority. A judicial investigation was also ordered.
The compliance drive will begin on June 4, during which the district administrations, police, MCD and Delhi Fire Service will conduct joint inspections. Authorities have been directed to close hotel rooms operating beyond permissible capacity and initiate sealing and take legal action against establishments violating fire safety, building or licensing rules.
The Home Ministry has been appointed as the nodal agency, while the Chief Secretary and Delhi Police Commissioner will jointly monitor the implementation. At the district level, the district magistrate, deputy commissioner of police, MCD officials and fire department representatives will lead the implementation teams.
According to the LG Secretariat, the meeting focused on a “comprehensive, multi-departmental action plan for prevention and implementation of fire incidents and immediate relief of victims” in the wake of the Malviya Nagar tragedy.
“The Ministry of Interior, GNCTD, will act as nodal department and lead a coordinated campaign with all concerned agencies to ensure compliance with fire safety standards and prevent recurrence of such incidents,” the LG office said.
Departments have also been directed to communicate fire safety requirements to commercial establishments and resident care associations (RWAs), while audits of buildings and fire safety systems will begin from June 4. Commercial establishments and resident welfare associations have been asked to inspect firefighting equipment, water tanks and supply systems.
Authorities will set up a dedicated helpline and email within a week to receive complaints regarding fire safety violations. The Delhi Fire Department, Delhi Police and land ownership agencies have also been directed to conduct accessibility surveys to identify bottlenecks affecting the movement of fire tenders.
“Any establishment violating fire safety norms, building regulations or licensing conditions will face immediate action, including closure of buildings and other legal action. Public safety cannot be compromised,” Sood said.
Officials said efforts are underway to treat the injured, identify victims, conduct DNA samples where necessary, inform relatives and assist families with cremation, burial and transportation arrangements.
