Days after a devastating fire in Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday ordered a special fire safety audit of all hotels and commercial establishments in the city. Preliminary investigations into the incident have revealed several serious safety-related shortcomings, Gupta said in a statement.
Urgent Need for Compliance
The directive comes in the wake of a blaze that broke out in a commercial building, raising alarms over the adherence to fire safety norms. Gupta emphasized that the audit will be conducted across all hotels, guest houses, malls, and other commercial setups to ensure strict compliance with fire safety regulations.
Key Measures Announced
- Special audit teams: The Delhi Fire Service will form special teams to inspect all high-risk commercial premises within a stipulated timeframe.
- Immediate action: Establishments found violating safety norms will face immediate closure and legal action.
- Awareness campaigns: The government will launch campaigns to educate building owners and managers about fire safety protocols.
Preliminary Findings
According to the Chief Minister, the initial probe into the recent fire incident pointed to multiple lapses, including inadequate fire exits, non-functional fire extinguishers, and lack of proper evacuation plans. These issues, she noted, are widespread across the city's commercial sector.
Government's Commitment
Gupta assured that the Delhi government is committed to preventing such tragedies in the future. She instructed the concerned departments to complete the audit within a month and submit a detailed report. The government will also review the existing fire safety laws to identify gaps and strengthen enforcement.
The order has been welcomed by residents and safety experts, who have long called for stricter oversight of fire safety measures in commercial buildings. The audit is expected to cover thousands of establishments across Delhi.
