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Fire breaking out in popular food joints has become a new normal in Delhi-NCR. From Sector 75, Noida, to Pandara Road, New Delhi, rampant incidents of massive fire breakouts continue to raise questions regarding the conditions in which vendors cook. From chefs to customers, people have started to worry about their lives.
The recent incident at the famous Gulati Restaurant on Pandara Road, New Delhi, is currently making headlines. On July 17, 2024, a fire broke out near the sitting area of the restaurant at 2.48am.
Reason For Fire Unknown
Image Credit: Gulati Restaurant
Four fire engines reached the destination of the incident to put out the blaze. They were able to control the scorching flames within an hour and reported no casualties. Apart from a few furniture pieces and decorative items, nothing else was ruined in this horrific accident.
The police were quoted saying, “Investigation is on to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.” Reportedly, residents of the NDMC quarters living above the restaurant managed to escape as the smoke from the fire entered their homes and alerted them of the danger. The NMDC stated that the majority of the damage happened in the exterior areas. The reports also suggest the vegetarian restaurant had a safety certificate and implemented adequate fire safety measures.”
Rampant Fire Breakout Incidents In Delhi-NCR
The Pandara Road incident is not an isolated one in the National Capital Region, but one among many. In June 2024, a massive fire broke out in Shaheen Bagh that engulfed three shops and two restaurants. However, no one was hurt. In May 2024, a fire broke out in Greater Kailash. In both these cases, the reason for the fire was faulty wire lines or short circuits.
In May, a fire broke out in Sector 75, Noida, because the gas cylinder exploded. It happened around 7am, and people used fire hydrants to get the flames under control.
A May 2022 report by The Sunday Guardian suggested more than 50% of the commercial setups across Delhi-NCR, including restaurants and shops, operate without fire safety certificates. They neither follow safety guides nor have any fire safety standards in place.
While in many of the reported incidents, there were no casualties. However, customers and residents living near these restaurants cannot rely on luck, especially those who live in a setup where a restaurant operates right beside or below their apartments.
