New Delhi: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged the Delhi government to strengthen fire safety arrangements in the capital's crowded commercial markets during the festive season, following a major fire at a mobile accessories shop in Gaffar Market.
In a letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the traders' body has sought the deployment of fire tenders, water bowsers and firefighting personnel on round-the-clock standby at 20 major markets until Bhai Dooj on November 11. It has also proposed the creation of a Rs 100-crore 'Traders' Fire Disaster Fund' to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by fire incidents.
The fire broke out at Chain Wali Gali in Karol Bagh's Gaffar Market on Friday morning, the day of Dhanteras. A total of 22 fire service vehicles were deployed to bring the blaze under control. According to the CTI, narrow lanes and heavy crowds delayed the movement of emergency vehicles, highlighting the difficulties faced by firefighters in Delhi's congested markets.
The incident, which occurred two days before Diwali, has renewed concerns among traders about emergency preparedness during the busy festive shopping period.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said fires in Delhi's markets during the Diwali season had become a recurring concern, while traders affected by such incidents often struggled to secure financial assistance.
"We do not want just an inquiry this time. We want two concrete actions," Goyal said.
As its first demand, the CTI has called for fire tenders, water bowsers and firefighting personnel to remain on 24-hour standby at 20 major commercial markets until Bhai Dooj.
The markets named in the proposal include Karol Bagh, Gaffar Market, Sadar Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Gandhi Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Rajouri Garden, South Extension, Connaught Place, Khan Market, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazaar and Naya Bazaar.
The traders' body has also proposed keeping one lane in each of these markets clear for fire tenders and ambulances until Diwali and Bhai Dooj. The measure, it said, would help emergency vehicles reach affected areas without delay.
Goyal said fire tenders should be stationed in busy markets during Diwali, just as security personnel are deployed for major VIP movements. He stressed that a quick response could prevent fires from spreading and causing extensive damage.
Under the proposed scheme, eligible traders would receive financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh or an interest-free loan within seven days of an incident.
The organisation has suggested that assistance be approved on the basis of a report from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), without making traders wait for an FIR, a fire department report or insurance documents.
It has further proposed that relief be released within 48 hours in cases involving fires during critical business periods such as Diwali.
According to Goyal, traders whose shops are destroyed in fires often lose their entire source of livelihood, leaving their families, employees and financial commitments in serious difficulty.
The CTI has urged the Delhi government to act on both demands, arguing that quick emergency response and timely financial assistance are essential to protect businesses and livelihoods in the capital's crowded markets. (with inputs from media organisations)