The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has reportedly found gaping holes in the fire safety system of nearly 500 restaurants ranging from niche eateries like those located in Hauz Khas Village and Khan Market to ordinary ones in Paharganj.
The DPCC officials said that they had not given a Consent To Operate (CTO) certificate to nearly 500 restaurants in the Capital. Sources in the DPCC also revealed that most of the restaurants deliberately declare their seating capacity under 48 persons to avoid the hassles going through the lengthy procedure of getting a fire clearance certificate.
“In order to avoid getting into the procedure of obtaining a fire clearance, most of the restaurants do not declare their exact seating capacity. Some of these restaurants also have an adjoining terrace area which can seat people. They just tell the authorities that their premises can accommodate 15-20 people without declaring the terrace or the adjoining area as part of the restaurant.
