Devastating Blaze Ravages Delhi’s Dilli Haat, Leaving Shopkeepers in Ruin
A massive fire tore through Dilli Haat, a popular open air market in South Delhi, late Wednesday evening, destroying approximately 30 shops and leaving vendors grappling with catastrophic losses. No injuries or fatalities were reported, according to the Delhi Fire Services.
The fire broke out around 8:55 p.m., prompting a swift response from the Delhi Fire Services, which deployed 14 fire engines to the scene, as confirmed by Chief Atul Garg. Thick smoke and towering flames engulfed the market’s stage area, reducing handicraft stalls and food stands to ashes. The blaze, which some traders suspect was sparked by a short circuit, spread rapidly due to the presence of flammable materials like wood, cloth, and plastic.
Initial police reports estimated 25 shops were affected, but the final count reached 30, as stated by Garg. Delhi Police received a call about the fire at 8:45 p.m. at Sarojini Nagar Police Station and promptly evacuated the area. A senior police officer noted that a team was dispatched immediately to assist and initiate an investigation into the fire’s cause, which remains under scrutiny with CCTV footage being reviewed.
Shopkeepers expressed profound devastation, with one vendor estimating losses of goods worth Rs 10 crore across the market. Shauket Ahmed, a trader, reported a personal loss of Rs 1.5 crore, lamenting, “Everything we had was consumed by the fire.” Another shopkeeper, who operated stall number 4, shared that their entire life’s savings, built through loans, were wiped out in the inferno.
Vijai Kumar, a vendor selling Madhubani paintings, criticized the lack of fire safety measures, stating that the absence of extinguishers and delayed response from fire services taking nearly 90 minutes exacerbated the destruction. “There were no provisions to handle such a crisis,” Kumar told .
Delhi’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Language, Kapil Mishra, visited the site and posted on X, assuring that the fire was under control and no lives were lost. “I am at Dilli Haat to support those affected,” he wrote, adding that the government would investigate the incident and provide compensation to affected artisans.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the event “unfortunate” in a social media post, emphasizing that the government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring aid for those impacted. The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, which manages the six-acre market, has not yet commented on the incident.
The charred remains of Dilli Haat, a vibrant hub showcasing India’s crafts and cuisines, stood silent Thursday morning as vendors sifted through the wreckage, facing an uncertain future.