Bhagirath palace fire: Panel to submit report on fire preparedness in walled city markets

The move comes in the wake of the blaze at Bhagirath palace market, the second major fire incident in Chandni Chowk after the blaze in Koocha Mahajani market in early September

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered the constitution of a multi-disciplinary committee on Saturday to improve fire safety in walled city areas, where congested lanes, water shortage and weak structures become hurdles during firefighting operations.

A firefighter at at Bhagirath Palace market in Chandni Chowk in Delhi on Friday. (ANI)

The move comes in the wake of the blaze at Bhagirath palace market, the second major fire incident in Chandni Chowk after the blaze in Koocha Mahajani market in early September.

“The committee will look into ways and means of effectively addressing these issues with active involvement of residents and other stakeholders, in areas such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar and Pahar Ganj,” said Saxena, adding that the panel will submit a report within 30 days on measures needed to improve fire preparedness in these areas.

On Saturday morning, Saxena inspected the site of the blaze at the electricals and lights market at Bhagirath palace, where the cooling process is yet be undertaken by the Delhi fire service. With hanging wires, overloaded circuits, old buildings, water shortage and narrow lanes, such areas are dangerously prone to blazes, he said.

BJP spokesperson Praveen Shakar Kapoor had appealed to LG Saxena on Friday to visit the Chandni Chowk market and help traders. “More than 200 shops have been destroyed and losses of more than ₹150 crore have been reported,” Kapoor said.