New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) The MCD has issued a show-cause notice to the District Health Officer, South Zone, amid an ongoing investigation after a horrific blaze claimed 22 lives in an illegal B-and-B facility in Malviya Nagar, officials said on Monday.
According to officials aware of the matter, a 24-hour period was granted to the concerned DHO to provide the incident report and grounds as to why no action should be taken against the officer.
“We have received the reply of the official concerned, and we are examining it. The tragic incident reflects deeper systemic problems. Action is yet to be taken,” a senior Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) official aware of the matter said.
Officials said that the District Health Officer (DHO) serves as the primary
competent health authority for issuing and managing Health Trade Licenses (HTL).
“They regulate businesses like eating establishments, guest houses, and storage facilities to protect public health,” they said.
The DHO’s office evaluates the uploaded documents (like layout plans and FSSAI licenses) to ensure compliance with health and fire safety standards.
DHOs or authorised health inspectors visit the business premises before or during the licensing period to verify hygiene, waste disposal, and proper ventilation, officials said.
According to officials, the illegal B&B facility where 22 people died was operating on an expired license and had re-applied for a ‘tea and snacks licence’ on the corporation’s website on June 3, when the incident occurred, which was rejected.
“The tea and snacks licence also expired on March 31,” officials said. PTI VBH SHS
