Delhi tightens fire safety checks at party zones

The deadly blaze at a nightclub in Goa that killed at least 25 people on Saturday has sent shockwaves across the country, and in the national capital, it has ignited an urgent reassessment of fire preparedness at entertainment venues.

With Christmas and New Year celebrations expected to draw massive crowds, the Delhi Police on Sunday announced intensified patrolling across major party zones and directed clubs, bars and restaurants to ensure immediate review of fire safety compliance.

In the bustling nightlife district of Connaught Place, where loud music, themed bars and rooftop cafes attract thousands of young patrons every night, the question of safety is once again at the forefront. Many establishments insist that they already follow the necessary protocols, though how robust those systems really are remains a question.

At Drama, a popular Bollywood-themed bar, manager Madan Singh spoke confidently of their preparedness. “We have all fire safety equipment. We have two exits, one in the front and the other at the back,” he said, pointing toward the rear passage.

“We also have fire cylinders. After the Goa incident, we are looking at adding more safety equipment. Most fires happen due to electrical faults or temporary stage setups. No one does it intentionally,” Singh added.

Just a few metres away, another bar official, who did not want to be named, emphasised that operations in the NDMC area leave little room for laxity. “All restaurants and bars here need a fire NOC before they can even open their doors. We have alarms, hoses and four emergency exits. We never take a chance.”

Yet, the sense of security varies among those who frequent these spaces. Some Delhiites said they feel reassured simply by the presence of fire extinguishers, even if they’ve never witnessed a drill or an emergency response. Rhea, a 26-year-old marketing executive who visits Connaught Place almost every weekend, shared, “I do see extinguishers and alarms, but I’ve never seen them being tested. I just assume that if they are displayed, they must be working.”

Others were more sceptical. Dev Malik, a 31-year-old bank employee, said, “Most places here are packed to the point where you can barely move. Even if there are fire exits, I’m not sure the staff would know how to handle a stampede or panic. After the Goa fire, it does make you think twice.”

Meanwhile, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) says the regulations go far beyond the symbolic presence of fire extinguishers on walls. Under the Delhi Fire Service Act, 2010, builders, owners and occupiers have clear responsibilities to obtain and maintain a fire safety certificate (fire NOC).

At the planning and construction stage, the Fire Prevention Wing of DFS must examine building plans and instruct what fire-safety features need to be integrated into the design. Architectural drawings can be rejected if safety modifications are not implemented.

Once construction is complete and fire systems are installed, including sprinklers, hydrants, alarms and emergency exits, the owner or occupier has to submit a formal application for the fire NOC along with a joint declaration by both the owner and the architect confirming adherence to DFS-mandated guidelines. Following this, DFS conducts a physical inspection and either approves or rejects the NOC. In case of rejection, the applicant must rectify shortcomings before reapplying.

Crucially, the responsibility does not end with receiving the certificate. The law mandates continuous maintenance of all fire-safety systems and every establishment must file an annual declaration stating that the equipment remains operational.

DFS officials remind that an expired fire NOC makes an establishment liable for punitive action, including suspension of excise licences, municipal licences or even closure.

Delhi has experienced multiple restaurant- and hospitality-linked fires this year, many caused by electrical failures or temporary structures erected for seating and entertainment. Authorities fear that the festive surge, when partygoers pack indoor spaces, often beyond capacity, could turn a single lapse into a catastrophe.