Delhi's Nightlife Under Fire: Only 90 Hotels, 38 Clubs Meet Safety Standards Amid Goa Tragedy
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The recent nightclub fire in Goa, which killed 25 people, has exposed a shocking reality in the Indian capital. A staggering 90 hotels and 38 clubs in Delhi have valid fire safety certificates, despite the city's thousands of hospitality establishments. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has strict norms, requiring hotels with a built-up area of 90 square meters and above to obtain fire safety certificates. However, many establishments, including restaurants and nightclubs, are found to be non-compliant. A source from the restaurant associations revealed that over 50,000 restaurants, 5,000 hotels, and 1,000 nightclubs operate in Delhi, but only a fraction have undergone fire-safety certification. The lack of regulation and oversight in the hospitality sector has led to a culture of complacency, with many owners neglecting to apply for fire safety certificates. The DFS official emphasized that it is not just the responsibility of the authorities to ensure fire safety but also that of the hotel and restaurant owners to maintain functional fire-dousing equipment. The recent tragedy in Goa has prompted a nationwide scrutiny of fire preparedness, particularly in high-density entertainment zones. In response to the Goa fire, the Delhi Police have announced heightened vigilance across party hotspots. Clubs, bars, restaurants, and event venues have been directed to review their fire safety compliance, ensure that extinguishers are functional, exits are unobstructed, and electrical loads are strictly monitored. Additional police patrols have been deployed, and joint inspections with fire officials are being conducted. The hospitality industry is reviewing its norms in light of the Goa tragedy, and the DFS is intensifying checks on hospitality establishments. The recent incident serves as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize fire safety and prevent future tragedies.
