Kejriwal announces financial aid for kin of victims who died in Gokalpuri fire

According to the compensation plan, the government will give ₹10 lakh to the families of adult victims, ₹5 lakh each to relatives of child victims and ₹25,000 to those whose shanties were gutted in the overnight fire.

Hours after seven people died and two others suffered burn injuries in a fire in a JJ cluster in northeast Delhi’s Gokalpuri, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced up to ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of victims.

New Delhi, India – March 12, 2022: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal addresses the residents after a fire broke out at a slum in Gokulpuri, New Delhi, India, on Saturday, March 12, 2022. (Photo by Amal KS/Hindustan Times)

According to the compensation plan, the government will give ₹10 lakh to the families of adult victims, ₹5 lakh each to relatives of child victims and ₹25,000 to those whose shanties were gutted in the overnight fire. “We will try to release the amount as soon as possible in a day or two so that the families of the victims can get immediate relief,” said Kejriwal after visiting the spot.

According to Delhi Fire Services, over 30 shanties were completely gutted in the fire, the cause of which is yet to be ascertained. The police and the fire services got information about the blaze at around 1am, following which the fire was doused by around 4am.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths on Saturday. “The fire incident in Delhi’s Gokalpuri is heart-wrenching. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear this immense sorrow,” he tweeted in Hindi.

On Saturday, Kejriwal, accompanied by senior government officials, reached Gokalpuri at around 2pm. With the crowds swelling, the CM hopped onto the roof of a car and addressed the crowd. “Due to the fire, many jhuggis here have been destroyed and seven people have also lost their lives unfortunately. I offer my deepest condolences to all the victims’ families. I am very sad that the homes of so many people got burnt. A poor man builds his jhuggi with great difficulty. It is very sad when someone dies in such a way. I pray to God to give peace to those who have died,” said Kejriwal.

Interacting with the victims’ families, Kejriwal said, “I am your son, your brother and I will support you no matter what. The Delhi government will provide financial assistance to every victim. We can’t make up for your agony but will provide financial assistance to every family who has lost a loved one.”