CTI Demands 24-Hour Fire Safety Deployment In 20 Delhi Markets, Proposes 100 Crore Traders’ Relief Fund

New Delhi: A massive fire at Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh, Delhi, has triggered widespread concern among the business community ahead of Diwali. The fire that broke out on the morning of Dhanteras at Puri Plaza in Chain Wali Gali destroyed goods worth crores of rupees. As many as 22 fire tenders rushed to the spot to control the blaze, but narrow lanes and heavy crowds created difficulties for the rescue operation. Following the incident, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) wrote to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, raising two major demands. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that fire incidents occur in markets every year around the festive season, but concrete action rarely goes beyond investigations and assurances. Traders now need both safety measures and financial protection.

CTI Demands 24-Hour Fire Safety Deployment in 20 Markets

CTI has demanded that fire tenders, water tankers and firefighting personnel be deployed round the clock in 20 major markets across Delhi until November 11, the occasion of Bhai Dooj. The markets include Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Gandhi Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Connaught Place, Khan Market, Khari Baoli and Chawri Bazaar, among others. The organisation has also demanded that one lane in each market be reserved exclusively for fire tenders and ambulances to ensure smooth emergency access.

CTI Proposes 100 Crore Traders’ Fire Disaster Relief Fund

As its second major demand, CTI has proposed the creation of a 100 crore Traders’ Fire Disaster Fund. Under the proposal, affected small traders should receive financial assistance of up to 5 lakh or an interest-free loan within seven days. CTI has also suggested that relief during Diwali should be provided within 48 hours, based on an assessment report prepared by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). Brijesh Goyal stated that when a shop is destroyed in a fire, not only does the trader suffer, but the livelihoods of their family members and employees also come under threat. He emphasised that the need of the hour is not merely an investigation, but effective safety measures on the ground and immediate financial relief.