Crackdown on fire safety violations after surprise inspections
Delhi authorities have uncovered widespread fire safety violations, illegal constructions and licensing irregularities across several parts of the Capital during a fresh inspection drive launched after recent fire incidents in the city. Officials inspected hotels, restaurants, commercial establishments and under-construction properties in North and New Delhi districts on June 8 and found multiple buildings operating without mandatory fire clearances, completion certificates and trade licences.
According to the inspection report prepared by the Office of the District Magistrate, North District, enforcement teams carried out checks in areas including Siraspur, Hudson Line, GTB Nagar, Vijay Nagar, Azadpur and Delhi Cantonment. Several establishments were found violating fire safety norms and building regulations, prompting authorities to issue notices, seal premises and demolish illegal structures.
In Badli subdivision, officials identified two under-construction buildings in Siraspur that were allegedly being developed without permission from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The inspection report stated that both sites also had illegal borewells. One property located on Gurudwara Road Market on GT Karnal Road was a ground-plus-three-floor structure, while another site at Bhagat Singh Park was a ground-plus-one-floor building. Revenue officers issued action notices in both cases.
The inspection drive revealed more extensive violations in Adarsh Nagar subdivision, particularly in the Hudson Line and Vijay Nagar areas, where multiple hotels and commercial establishments were allegedly functioning without mandatory fire safety approvals.
Officials inspected Prachi Villa in Hudson Line and found that the hotel, operating in a ground-plus-four-floor building, did not possess a Fire No Objection Certificate, completion certificate or occupancy clearance from the civic authorities. Action under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, was initiated against the property.
Another establishment, The Signature Stay in GTB Nagar, was found operating on the second floor of a ground-plus-three-floor building without a fire clearance certificate. Inspectors also reported that the fire exit gate at the premises was blocked, creating a serious safety risk. Authorities issued notices against the hotel.
The inspection team also found violations at Hotel Banti Residential in Hudson Line. According to the report, the property lacked fire clearance, completion certification and a health trade licence. Officials additionally found that the hotel was operating more rooms than permitted under its licence conditions.
In Vijay Nagar, inspections were conducted at a McDonald’s outlet and another commercial establishment named 736 AD Culinary Bar. Both properties were found operating without fire safety certificates, completion approvals and health trade licences. Notices were subsequently issued against both premises.
Authorities also demolished an alleged illegal mosque construction located near Coconut Mandi in Azadpur. The report stated that the structure had been raised without approval and demolition action was carried out during the inspection drive.
Separate inspections in the New Delhi district uncovered violations at restaurants in Delhi Cantonment’s Sadar Bazaar area. Officials found that one restaurant lacked a fire safety certificate, while another did not possess a fire clearance certificate, Delhi Cantonment Board trade licence or sanctioned building plan. One of the premises was sealed following the inspection.
