Minister visits Coolie Camp night shelter after blaze kills 2

Delhi Home and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood on Tuesday visited the Coolie Camp night shelter in Vasant Vihar where a fire resulted in the death of two persons yesterday.

During his visit, the minister assessed the site, met affected families and reviewed ongoing relief operations.

Sood said the administration was actively working to support the victims and ensure such incidents are not repeated. “The government is considering providing appropriate financial assistance to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident,” he stated.

He said immediate steps were being taken across the city to enhance safety standards at night shelters. “The minister also directed that a forensic audit and physical audit of all night shelters in Delhi be conducted to ensure safety,” the statement said.

The minister said instructions had been issued to ban the use of coal, biomass and open fire inside shelters, especially during the winter season. Safe heating systems are being distributed to reduce risk.

“Use of angithis will be strictly prohibited, especially in tent-based night shelters, and all necessary safe heating arrangements will be provided,” he said.

Sood assured citizens that relief teams and authorities were working round the clock. “He assured the people of Delhi that the government is taking prompt action with full sensitivity and commitment to ensure such tragic incidents do not recur.”

Investigations are underway, and the exact cause of the fire will be confirmed once official reports from the Fire Department and Delhi Police are submitted.