Faulty wiring ignites fire at Delhi PG facility, raising concerns over safety negligence

In a tragic incident at a paying guest (PG) facility in Mukherjee Nagar, northwest Delhi, survivors claim that a potentially fatal fire could have been avoided if the building owner had addressed repeated complaints regarding faulty electrical wiring. The blaze erupted due to a short circuit in an electricity meter panel, prompting authorities to file a case against the owner. An ongoing investigation seeks to determine if fire safety protocols were overlooked. Responding to the incident, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has directed its Building Department to conduct a survey of PG facilities in the Civil Lines zone.
The three-storey building, situated in a hub of coaching institutes, became a scene of chaos as 35 individuals were rescued. A 19-year-old resident, revealed that residents had lodged numerous complaints about the faulty wiring, only to face a dismissive response from the owner, who instead insisted they vacate the premises. This negligence is now under scrutiny as authorities probe potential safety violations.
Other inhabitants have reported a lack of assistance from local residents during the fire, contrasting with the swift response from tenants of nearby PG facilities and students from coaching institutes. Even the guards and employees of the PG facility were notably absent in aiding the escape of those trapped. While the fire was successfully controlled, the situation could have worsened if a gas cylinder stored in the building hadn't been promptly removed. Despite regulations prohibiting facilities with a high number of occupants from keeping LPG cylinders for cooking, the owner allegedly continued to flout these safety norms.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North West) Jitendra Meena confirmed that women and a minor girl, hospitalized after the incident, are undergoing treatment. The aftermath underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and regulatory compliance within such high-density accommodations.
This incident closely follows the MCD's sealing drive against coaching centres operating without No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Fire Department. The drive was initiated following a court order in response to a previous fire incident at a building hosting multiple coaching centres, which resulted in injuries to 61 students. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the critical importance of enforcing safety protocols and ensuring accountability among building owners and authorities.
In summary, the Mukherjee Nagar PG facility fire tragedy has brought to light not only the immediate dangers posed by faulty wiring but also the systemic issues of negligence and non-compliance with safety regulations. The ongoing investigations and MCD's proactive stance in surveying similar facilities indicate a collective effort to prevent future disasters and protect the safety of residents in high-density accommodations.

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Faulty wiring ignites fire at Delhi PG facility, raising concerns over safety negligence

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