Rs 674 cr boost, new fire stations, modern gear: Delhi govt readies fire-fighting master plan

New Delhi: In the wake of a deadly fire in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar that killed nine people, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday directed officials to prepare a “comprehensive and result-oriented” master plan for fire-fighting aimed at preventing incidents and minimising loss of life and property.The directive was issued during a high-level fire safety review meeting chaired by the CM at the Delhi Secretariat. Expressing concern over a spate of recent fires, Gupta warned that strict action would be taken against any official found negligent.During the meeting, the CM reviewed the Delhi Fire Service’s infrastructure and manpower, and sought details on existing shortages. She directed officials to increase manpower, open new fire stations and procure modern fire-fighting equipment, assuring them of adequate budgetary support.Delhi govt has allocated Rs 674 crore to the fire department in the 2026-27 budget, a sharp increase from Rs 530 crore in 2025-26 — an almost 27% hike. The additional funds will be used to set up new fire stations, induct quick response vehicles (QRVs), procure modern equipment and upgrade emergency response infrastructure.Gupta also instructed departments to analyse past fire incidents and prepare an effective response framework to ensure faster emergency handling. Stressing that incidents such as those in Vivek Vihar and Palam must not recur, she asked all departments concerned to submit a detailed blueprint within 10 days, identifying causes of recurring fires, vulnerable zones, systemic gaps and concrete preventive measures.The proposed master plan will incorporate inputs from multiple departments and focus on inter-agency coordination, particularly in view of the increase in fire incidents during the summer months.The meeting was attended by home and power minister Ashish Sood, chief secretary Rajeev Verma and senior officials from the Delhi Fire Service, MCD, DDMA, power utilities and other departments. Officials discussed current challenges, gaps in preparedness and long-term solutions.The CM stressed the need for greater accountability among departments responsible for fire prevention and called for large-scale public awareness initiatives. “No laxity will be tolerated in matters related to public safety,” she said.Gupta directed the MCD to ensure that illegal constructions are checked and that roads and lanes remain free of encroachments to allow unobstructed movement of fire tenders. She also asked the power department to exercise caution while granting electricity connections and to regularly inspect vulnerable areas for faulty electrical infrastructure.The govt plans to run awareness campaigns and conduct fire safety mock drills in residential areas to improve preparedness among citizens.Sood said the fire department would be equipped with modern machinery and advanced equipment in line with future requirements. “The govt will work with RWAs, market associations, organisations and religious institutions to spread fire safety awareness. Multiple departments will be involved to strengthen the campaign,” he said.