Hours after the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) issued an emergency directive for immediate inspections across public venues, the Delhi Government has moved into high-alert mode, launching an extensive overhaul of fire safety enforcement and licensing procedures. The measures come in the wake of the recent Goa fire tragedy, which has prompted states across India to reassess safety compliance at hotels, restaurants and clubs.
Emergency inspections across the Capital
An official DFS order has instructed all Divisional and Assistant Divisional Fire Officers to conduct immediate and thorough inspections at restaurants, hotels, banquet halls and clubs.
Officers have been asked to verify compliance with Rule 33 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010, including:
- functionality of fire-fighting equipment,
- adherence to building by-laws,
- availability of escape routes, and
- readiness for increased festive-season crowds.
Inspection reports must be submitted without delay.
‘No negligence will be tolerated’: Home Minister Sood
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to licensing lapses and safety violations. Calling the Goa tragedy a “wake-up call” for enforcement agencies nationwide, he warned that repeat offenders would face sealing and strict punitive action.
Sood said all fire safety equipment at public venues — including restaurants, banquet halls, wedding venues and other assembly spaces — must be functional and updated.
High-level review and complete licensing overhaul
Sood chaired a high-level meeting to review weaknesses in the licensing framework governing hotels, pubs, clubs and restaurants. He criticised the previous AAP government for failing to prioritise fire safety reforms.
He stated that the current administration is initiating a “complete transformation” in fire preparedness. This includes the procurement of specialised fire-fighting equipment capable of navigating narrow lanes and reaching high-rise structures — a persistent challenge across Delhi’s dense neighbourhoods.
(See related: NK analysis on urban safety measures)
GST, MCD asked to share complete establishment lists
To strengthen coordination, the Home Minister has directed the GST Department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to share comprehensive establishment data with the Fire Service. The unified database will include:
- restaurants and cafés,
- pubs, bars and nightclubs,
- hotels and banquet venues,
- temporary structures such as pandals.
Authorities say this will enable targeted risk assessments, surprise inspections, and more efficient oversight.
City prepares for festive rush
With Christmas and New Year festivities approaching, officials have been instructed to complete all major venue inspections before the year-end crowd surge. The goal, the government says, is two-fold:
- tighten enforcement to prevent negligence, and
- simplify compliance for businesses that adhere to safety rules.
The Delhi Government has urged establishments to cooperate fully, warning that fire safety cannot be compromised during peak public activity.