Rekha Gupta Declares Zero-Tolerance Policy on Urban Neglect After Rohini Blaze

In a firm response to the devastating fire that engulfed a jhuggi cluster in Rohini, killing two children and rendering over 800 families homeless, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a zero-tolerance policy on urban neglect, vowing that the government will no longer allow infrastructure gaps to threaten lives in the city’s most vulnerable communities.

The fire, which broke out just after midnight, quickly consumed the densely populated cluster of makeshift homes, fueled by flammable materials and the absence of formal safety infrastructure. Survivors recounted waking up to the screams of neighbors and barely managing to escape with their lives. While fire and rescue services arrived quickly, they struggled to access the narrow, unplanned lanes.

Visiting the scene within hours, CM Rekha Gupta extended her condolences and committed not only to immediate relief but to systemic overhaul. “This tragedy could have been prevented,” Gupta said. “We will no longer tolerate gaps in planning, response, or policy. Every neighborhood, no matter how poor, has the right to safety.”

Emergency Measures Deployed

The Delhi government swiftly rolled out a coordinated emergency response, including:

• Temporary shelters set up in nearby municipal schools and parks.
• Free distribution of food, drinking water, medicines, and hygiene kits.
• Trauma counseling for children and bereaved families.
• Deployment of mobile health units and social workers.

Families of the deceased were granted ₹10 lakh each in compensation, with injured victims receiving ₹50,000 and homeless families assured immediate housing assistance through DUSIB (Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board).

Holding Agencies Accountable

CM Gupta made it clear that accountability would be pursued. She directed the Chief Secretary to identify lapses by local authorities, including DUSIB, the MCD, and fire services. “If protocols failed, we need to know why. If infrastructure was delayed, we need names,” she said.

To this end, an independent fact-finding commission has been established, comprising fire safety experts, urban planners, and retired judges. The commission has been tasked with submitting its report within 45 days, identifying both immediate and long-standing policy failures.

“Built-In Neglect Must End”

Gupta used the occasion to call out the longstanding neglect of slum communities. “These fires don’t happen in isolation. They are the result of built-in neglect—of treating jhuggi dwellers as second-class citizens,” she said.

She announced that all future urban development projects would require integrated risk assessments for informal settlements within a 3-km radius. This ensures that no cluster is left out of city planning simply because of its informal status.

Public Infrastructure Push

Gupta also announced a ₹300 crore Urban Safety Infrastructure Fund, to be spent over the next 18 months in high-risk settlements. The fund will be used for:

• Community fire safety training programs.
• Emergency sirens, extinguishers, and water tanks.
• Solar-powered streetlights and safe electrical wiring installations.
• GPS-tagged hydrants for rapid response in dense areas.

Community Participation and Oversight

In an innovative move, the CM launched the Jhuggi Watch Network, a platform where residents can report hazards, infrastructure gaps, or emergency needs via a WhatsApp helpline. Verified complaints will be escalated to zonal commissioners with a 48-hour resolution mandate.

“This platform will turn residents into protectors—not just victims. That’s how we build resilient communities,” Gupta explained.

Political and Public Support

Even opposition leaders lauded Gupta’s hands-on response and bold tone. “We’ll criticize where necessary, but right now, Delhi needs unified leadership. The CM has responded swiftly and responsibly,” said an AAP MLA during the special assembly session on the incident.

Residents and NGOs echoed this sentiment. “We’ve seen many fires. But this is the first time a leader came and promised that it would be the last,” said Shakeel, a Rohini resident who lost his home in the fire.

As the ashes cool in Rohini, CM Rekha Gupta’s zero-tolerance policy on urban neglect is being watched closely—not just in Delhi, but by city governments across India facing similar challenges.