New Delhi, December 18, 2025:
With the New Year and festive season approaching, the Delhi Government has launched an extensive fire safety inspection drive across restaurants, hotels and clubs in the national capital to ensure public safety. The inspection campaign is being carried out by the Delhi Fire Service in compliance with Office Order No. F.6/DFS/HQ/2025/2127 dated December 10, 2025, with a focus on preventing fire-related incidents during a period of increased public footfall.
Under the ongoing drive, teams of the Delhi Fire Service are conducting detailed inspections of commercial establishments, including restaurants, hotels, clubs and pubs. The inspections are being carried out strictly in accordance with Rule 33 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010. During these checks, officials are thoroughly examining all fire prevention and safety arrangements, including the operational status of firefighting equipment, the availability and accessibility of emergency exits, and compliance with prescribed building by-laws.
Providing details of the inspection drive, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said that as of December 17, 2025, a total of 74 premises across the capital had been inspected. Of these, 45 establishments were found to be fully compliant with the prescribed fire safety norms. However, inspections revealed deficiencies in 24 premises, following which notices were issued to the concerned operators. In cases where serious violations posing a potential threat to public safety were detected, directions were issued to close five establishments.
The Home Minister stressed that the safety and lives of Delhi’s residents remain the highest priority for the Delhi Government. He said that during the festive season, restaurants, hotels and clubs witness a significant surge in visitors, making strict adherence to fire safety norms absolutely essential. Any negligence or laxity in following fire safety rules, he said, will not be tolerated.
Sood stated that the inspection drive has been initiated under the guidance of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, keeping in mind the need to provide a safe environment for citizens during festivals and celebrations. He added that the recent tragic incident at a nightclub in Goa served as a reminder of the grave consequences of ignoring fire safety standards. Taking cognisance of such incidents, the Delhi Government has moved swiftly to carry out intensive and preventive inspections of fire safety arrangements in hospitality and entertainment establishments across the capital.
The Home Minister further clarified that the special inspection drive being conducted by the Delhi Fire Service is systematic, well-planned and fully in accordance with existing rules and regulations. Establishments found violating fire safety norms are being proceeded against as per law, including closure wherever required. He emphasised that the action taken by the authorities is not intended to be punitive, but preventive in nature, aimed at safeguarding public life and preventing untoward incidents.
Appealing to owners and operators of commercial establishments, Sood urged them to take fire safety responsibilities seriously. He advised all establishments to carry out regular checks of firefighting equipment, ensure that emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed, and provide proper training to staff to handle emergency situations effectively. He also stressed the importance of strict compliance with all statutory fire safety provisions to minimise risks and ensure the safety of patrons and employees alike.
The Home Minister made it clear that such inspection drives will continue in the future as well, and will not be limited to the festive season alone. He said the Delhi Fire Service will keep conducting regular and surprise inspections to prevent any untoward incidents and to ensure that citizens can celebrate festivals and public occasions in a safe and secure environment across the city.
Officials said the ongoing drive reflects the Delhi Government’s commitment to strengthening fire safety mechanisms and enforcing regulations rigorously. The government has reiterated that public cooperation is crucial in achieving these objectives and has urged business owners and the general public to remain vigilant and report any fire safety lapses. The authorities maintain that collective responsibility and strict enforcement are key to ensuring a safe festive season for everyone in the national capital.
