In a glaring lapse, only three restaurants in the Lutyens’ Delhi’s Khan Market, a popular hotspot for shopping and known for its eateries, have a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS).
Senior officers say that out of around 30 restaurants in the market, only three meet the safety parameters set by the DFS while all others are in violation of the mandate. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) that issues licences to these restaurants has said that their licenses will not be renewed this year unless they obtain a valid fire NOC.
The market, as the shopkeepers and owners say, pulls a footfall of as high as 4,000 to 5,000 every day, especially on the weekends. The Lutyens most sought after shopper’s stop is also a popular place when it comes to eating out. It has around 30 eateries and restaurants.
Atul Garg, director, Delhi Fire Service, said they have written to NDMC to not grant licenses to these restaurants as they are in violation of the fire safety norms. “These parameters are mandatory as far as public safety is concerned. In all those restaurants which do not follow our guidelines, in time of fire, evacuation and rescue of the guests will become a challenging task that may result in unwanted casualties,” Garg said.
The director added that even in other markets in the capital such as Hauz Khas Village, several restaurant owners have overlooked these mandatory requirements. “At present, more than 2,000 restaurants in the capital do not have valid fire safety clearances,” he added.
Some of these parameters that the fire department has mandated, apart from having the basic fire-fighting equipment, include having broad staircases, alternate rescue exits, the alternate exit must not be blocked, no construction of additional permanent structure, etc.
