Senior leader Anurag Dhanda has sharply criticised the Delhi Government following the tragic fire incident in Palam, where nine members of a family lost their lives. Citing a report by The Times of India, he alleged that a majority of residents living in narrow lanes in the national capital may not receive timely emergency assistance.
Anurag Dhanda Criticises Delhi Government Over Palam Fire Tragedy
Referring to the report, Dhanda said that if roads narrower than 30 feet pose challenges for rescue operations, then nearly 90 percent of Delhi’s population could be at risk. He questioned the preparedness of authorities, stating that relying on the government in such situations may not be sufficient for ensuring public safety.
The incident in Palam involved a devastating fire
The incident in Palam involved a devastating fire that reportedly started on the ground floor of a four-storey building, possibly due to a short circuit. The flames spread rapidly, trapping several members of a family on the upper floors. In a desperate attempt to escape, some victims, including a child, reportedly jumped from the building.
According to officials, nine bodies were recovered, including that of 70-year-old Lado Devi, the eldest victim, while the youngest was a three-year-old child. The tragedy has left the local community in shock, with reports indicating that the family had been living together for decades.
Anurag Dhanda further alleged that the inability to save lives even in an area with relatively wider access points reflects administrative shortcomings. He pointed out that fire safety norms generally consider access routes of around 20 feet, yet rescue challenges persisted in this case.
Authorities reportedly had to break through an adjacent wall to access the building, highlighting the difficulties faced by firefighters in congested areas. A case of negligence has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and accountability.
The incident has reignited concerns over fire safety infrastructure, urban planning, and emergency response mechanisms in densely populated parts of Delhi, with calls for stricter enforcement of safety norms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
