Delhi steps up fire safety, orders hospital safety audits

New Delhi: The Delhi government has directed fire safety audits of hospitals following recent fire incidents in the capital. The move comes alongside measures to strengthen awareness campaigns and improve emergency preparedness across the city.

According to the news reports, a high-level meeting chaired on Monday by Minister Ashish Sood brought together senior officials and divisional officers of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS). The discussions focused on fire prevention strategies, emergency response systems, and long-term modernisation plans for the department.

Also Read:Fire in Malviya Nagar Children's Hospital Operation Theatre prompts evacuation

During the meeting, Sood directed the DFS to upgrade firefighting infrastructure and equipment, improve emergency response times, and strengthen internal communication and command systems. He also called for the preparation of a detailed firefighting master plan covering the next three, 15, and 25 years, keeping in mind Delhi’s growing population density and rapid urban expansion. 

Officials reviewed bottlenecks in the existing fire prevention mechanism, availability of modern firefighting equipment, procurement of fire vehicles, and measures needed to strengthen emergency response capabilities. The meeting also focused on advanced technical training for fire personnel in line with evolving technologies.

Speaking to TOI, Sood said, “Delhi govt is continuously working towards modernising the infrastructure and machinery of the fire department while giving top priority to the safety of Delhi residents." 

The minister also instructed divisional officers to collaborate with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), market associations, religious committees, park clubs, and other social organisations to conduct fire safety awareness campaigns, mock drills, and public outreach programmes. 

Officials have also been asked to encourage residents and institutions to install modern fire safety systems. The Delhi Fire Services has been directed to carry out regular inspections and fire safety audits at vulnerable locations to ensure compliance and prevent future incidents.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that panic gripped Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar after a fire broke out in the operation theatre (OT), prompting the emergency evacuation of patients, including newborns.

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