Fire Destroys Over 200 Makeshift Homes Near Udyog Bhawan
A major fire broke out in a cluster of temporary tin-shed accommodations for labourers near Udyog Bhawan in central New Delhi in the early hours of Wednesday, gutting around 200 makeshift structures, according to the Delhi Fire Services. The fire department received a call at 3:02 am about the blaze in an electrical panel located near the labour settlement. The flames rapidly spread through the closely packed tin-shed rooms, prompting a massive firefighting operation.
No Casualties Reported; Property Damage Yet to Be Assessed
Authorities said no deaths or injuries have been reported. The magnitude of the property damage is yet to be assessed. The incident comes as demolition work at Udyog Bhawan, a landmark government office complex in the Central Vista area, is under way as part of the central government’s large-scale redevelopment project. Built in the late 1950s, Udyog Bhawan is being dismantled following the demolition of the neighbouring Nirman Bhawan.
According to a Delhi Fire Services official, "The fire started from an electrical panel and spread quickly due to the close proximity of the tin-shed structures. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze after several hours of effort." The official added that the exact cause of the electrical fault is under investigation.
Background: Central Vista Redevelopment Project
The fire site is located near Udyog Bhawan, which is part of the Central Vista redevelopment project. The project aims to revamp the central administrative area of New Delhi, including the demolition and reconstruction of several government buildings. The labour settlement that caught fire housed workers involved in the demolition and construction activities. The incident highlights the precarious living conditions of migrant labourers working on such large-scale infrastructure projects.
Local residents reported that the fire was visible from a distance, with flames leaping high into the night sky. "We heard loud noises and saw smoke. Within minutes, the entire area was engulfed in flames," said a nearby resident who witnessed the incident. The Delhi Fire Services deployed multiple fire engines to the spot, and the blaze was brought under control by around 5:30 am.
Official Response and Investigation
Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg said, "We received a call at 3:02 am and immediately dispatched 12 fire tenders. The fire was challenging due to the narrow lanes and closely built structures. Our teams worked diligently to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent areas." He confirmed that no casualties were reported, and an investigation into the cause of the fire has been initiated.
The labour settlement, which consisted of temporary tin-shed rooms, was home to hundreds of workers and their families. Many residents lost their belongings in the fire. Relief measures are being coordinated by local authorities and NGOs. The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in such temporary accommodations, especially those near ongoing construction sites.
The Central Vista redevelopment project has been a subject of controversy, with critics questioning the displacement of workers and the lack of adequate housing. This fire underscores the urgent need for improved living conditions for migrant labourers involved in government projects.
