CTI calls for round-the-clock fire engines and ₹100 crore fire assistance for Delhi markets

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) urged the Delhi government to deploy fire engines round-the-clock at 20 crowded markets in the national capital till Bhai Dooj, following a major fire at Karol Bagh’s Gaffar Market, which affected around forty-five shops on Friday.

The association also sought a ₹100 crore relief fund for businesses affected by such incidents.

The business body, in a letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, demanded the immediate release of a 'Traders' Fire Disaster Fund' to provide financial assistance to small traders whose shops are damaged in fire incidents, reported PTI.


CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said fires break out in Delhi markets around Diwali every year, but traders are often left without immediate assistance despite enquiries ordered into such incidents.

Read more: Delhi's Karol Bagh Gaffar Market catches fire on Dhanteras, blaze at mobile accessories shop spreads through four floors; 22 fire tenders deployed

The trade body demanded the deployment of fire engines, water bowsers and firefighters on a 24-hour standby basis at the city’s 20 major markets till Bhai Dooj on November 11. The association also sought one lane in each of these markets to be kept clear for fire tenders and ambulances to ensure that emergency vehicles reach the affected areas without delay.

The markets 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, according to PTI.

Read more: Delhi's Karol Bagh Gaffar Market catches fire on Dhanteras, blaze at mobile accessories shop spreads through four floors; 22 fire tenders deployed

"Just as police personnel are deployed for VIP movements, fire tenders should be stationed in the markets around Diwali. Markets can be saved by dousing a fire as soon as it breaks out, rather than waiting for fire vehicles to arrive," PTI reported, citing CTI chairman Goyal.

CTI, in its second demand, proposed the Delhi government establish a Rs 100 crore 'Traders' Fire Disaster Fund', wherein small traders affected by fires should receive financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh or an interest-free loan within seven days.

According to PTI, CTI suggested the assistance be levied based on a report by the SDM, without requiring traders to wait for an FIR, fire department report or insurance documents.

Additionally, the body sought that relief be provided within 48 hours in fire incidents during peak business periods such as Diwali.

CTI’s demands came in after a fire broke out at a mobile accessories shop at Gaffar Market's Chain Wali Gali on the morning of Dhanteras on Friday. The blaze spread through a four-storey commercial building; however, no casualties or injuries were reported despite the fire causing extensive damage to the building.

As of now, police suspect the overcharging of mobile batteries as the cause of the fire.

As many as 22 fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames, even as the narrow approach lanes and heavy crowds delayed the movement of fire vehicles, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) said.

The incident, coming just two days before Diwali, has raised concerns among the traders over fire safety arrangements in the crowded commercial areas during the peak festive season.

"We do not want just an inquiry this time. We want two concrete actions," Goyal added.

(With inputs from PTI)