New Delhi:
With the festive season and New Year celebrations approaching, the Delhi Government has intensified fire safety measures across the capital by launching a comprehensive inspection drive in restaurants, hotels, clubs and pubs. The initiative is being carried out by the Delhi Fire Service to ensure public safety and strict compliance with fire safety norms during a period marked by increased public gatherings and footfall.
The inspection drive is being conducted in accordance with Office Order No. F.6/DFS/HQ/2025/2127 dated December 10, 2025, and follows the prescribed standards under Rule 33 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010. Officials are carrying out detailed checks of fire prevention and safety arrangements, including the functionality of firefighting equipment, availability and accessibility of emergency exits, and adherence to building by-laws.
Providing an update on the inspection drive, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said that up to December 17, 2025, a total of 74 premises, including restaurants, hotels, clubs and pubs, have been inspected across the city. Of these, 45 establishments were found to be compliant with the prescribed fire safety norms. However, 24 premises were found to be non-compliant, following which notices were issued to them. In cases of serious violations posing a potential risk to public safety, directions have been issued to close five establishments.
The Home Minister emphasised that the safety and lives of Delhi’s residents remain the top priority for the Delhi Government. He said that with a significant rise in public movement and gatherings during the festive season, strict enforcement of fire safety regulations becomes critical. He added that no negligence or compromise in fire safety compliance will be tolerated under any circumstances.
Sood noted that the inspection drive was also initiated in light of a recent tragic incident at a nightclub in Goa, which underscored the importance of stringent fire safety checks in public entertainment venues. Taking cognisance of such incidents, the Delhi Government has moved swiftly to carry out preventive inspections to avert any similar mishaps in the national capital.
He further stated that the special inspection drive by the Delhi Fire Service has been meticulously planned and is being implemented strictly in accordance with the law. Establishments found violating fire safety norms are being proceeded against as per legal provisions, including closure wherever necessary. The Home Minister clarified that the action taken by the authorities is not punitive in intent, but preventive in nature, aimed at safeguarding lives and ensuring public welfare.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public safety, Sood said that all commercial establishments must treat fire safety as a non-negotiable responsibility. He urged owners and operators of restaurants, hotels, clubs and similar venues to conduct regular inspections of fire safety equipment, ensure that emergency exits remain unobstructed, and provide proper training to staff to handle emergency situations effectively. He stressed the importance of full compliance with all statutory fire safety requirements to avoid accidents and loss of life.
The Home Minister also made it clear that such inspection drives will not be limited to the festive season alone. He said the Delhi Fire Service will continue to conduct regular and surprise inspections in the future to prevent untoward incidents and to ensure that public spaces remain safe throughout the year.
According to officials, the ongoing inspection drive aims to create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike, allowing people to celebrate festivals and public occasions without fear. The Delhi Government has reiterated its resolve to enforce fire safety standards rigorously and take firm action against any establishment found endangering public safety.
The authorities have appealed to the public as well as business owners to cooperate with the inspection teams and to report any fire safety lapses, underscoring that collective responsibility and vigilance are essential to ensuring a safe and secure festive season in the national capital.
