CM Rekha Gupta Visits Saket Hospital, Announces Malviya Nagar Fire Compensation
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited injured victims at Max Hospital in Saket following a devastating fire at a bed-and-breakfast facility in nearby Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, which claimed 21 lives. Following her visit, Gupta announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh for those who sustained serious injuries.
The fire occurred at Flourish Stays, a bed-and-breakfast facility in Malviya Nagar's Hauz Rani in South Delhi. According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate the blaze was prima facie caused by a short circuit.
During her visit to the Saket hospital, Chief Minister Gupta stated that corruption and negligence within certain departments have created significant difficulties for the government. She emphasized that strict and effective steps must be taken to prevent such incidents to protect lives and property, making Delhi a safer capital.
Gupta directed the concerned departments to conduct a detailed investigation into the tragedy. She also ordered a special audit of fire safety standards across all hotels, commercial establishments, and public buildings in Delhi. The government warned that no building owner, official, or individual found responsible for the Malviya Nagar fire would be spared.
Additionally, officials have been instructed to arrange for the mortal remains of the deceased to be sent to their families residing in other states or abroad. The Chief Minister has scheduled a high-level meeting with all relevant departments on Friday to further discuss the incident.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to discuss a comprehensive action plan for stronger urban governance, improved civic infrastructure, and enhanced structural safety.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the MCD to execute a time-bound strategy to detect and seal or demolish all unauthorized constructions. Under this directive, local engineers, technical staff, and municipal oversight officers will be held directly accountable for any undetected illegal modifications or unauthorized construction within their jurisdictions.
