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Days after the Goa nightclub fire claimed the lives of 25 people, the Delhi FireGoa Club Fire Horror: Are Delhi Hotels Prepared for Such Deadly Blaze?
Shocking Report Reveals Services checked the status of Delhi hotels and clubs to verify whether they are prepared to tackle such a tragedy. According to the figures reported by PTI news agency, only 52 hotels and 38 clubs out of thousands possess fire safety certificates. The figures have assumed urgency amid intensified checks and the Goa Police action following a blaze at a nightclub there that killed 25 people.
Unorganised, Unregulated Hospitality Sector in Delhi
A source linked with restaurant associations said the numbers underline a deeply unorganised and unregulated hospitality sector in Delhi, PTI reported. He claimed that the capital has over 50,000 restaurants, more than 5,000 hotels, and over 1,000 nightclubs, but only a fraction have undergone fire-safety certification.
"Restaurants that serve liquor require an excise certificate, a fire safety certificate, and the FSSAI permit. But the sector is very unorganised, and several hotels, restaurants, and clubs do not procure or even apply for a fire safety certificate," the source said.
He added that the DFS has specific norms on the minimum area required for issuing certificates. "A tragedy can happen anywhere, and it is also the responsibility of hotel, nightclub, and restaurant owners to keep all fire-dousing equipment functional and updated. It is very strange that only 52 hotels and 38 clubs in a city like Delhi have valid fire safety certificates," he said.
A DFS official said fire safety certificates are issued to restaurants with a built-up area of 90 square metres and above.
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Goa Nightclub Fire
A devastating fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora in North Goa. 25 people were killed in the blaze, prompting a nationwide scrutiny of fire preparedness, particularly in high-density entertainment zones.
As part of its probe, a Goa Police team on Monday arrived in Delhi and searched the residence of the nightclub's owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, in Hudson Lane near Delhi University. They were not found there. The Goa Police has sought the local police's help in tracking down the two.
With Christmas and New Year crowds expected to swell in Delhi, the city police have announced heightened vigilance across party hot spots.
A police officer said clubs, bars, restaurants, and event venues have been directed to review their fire safety compliance, ensure that extinguishers are functional, exits are unobstructed, and electrical loads are strictly monitored.
"High-density nights require full adherence to emergency protocols. We will maintain strict vigilance," the officer told PTI.
More PCR vans, motorcycle patrols, and foot patrol teams have been deployed across the city, outside prominent nightlife hubs and hotels. District police units are coordinating with fire officials for joint inspections, he added.
