Narrow lanes, cramped hotels, web of wires: Delhi's Paharganj a ticking time bomb

After a major fire incident in Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives, a ground report by India Today TV in Delhi's Paharganj area suggests that similar risks continue to exist in plain sight, potentially putting thousands of lives in danger every day.

In Short

• Paharganj hotels operate amid tangled wires and congested lanes
• Narrow passages could prevent timely fire brigade access during emergencies
• Ground report raises questions over inspections, accountability, compliance

A devastating fire at a B&B in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday left 21 people dead and several others injured, once again exposing the deadly consequences of lax fire safety enforcement in the national capital. Preliminary findings and eyewitness accounts have raised serious questions about whether basic safety norms were being followed at the establishment.

Yet, even as investigators probe the tragedy, a ground report by India Today TV's Piyush Mishra in Delhi's Paharganj area suggests that similar risks continue to exist in plain sight, potentially putting thousands of lives in danger every day.

NEIGHBOURHOOD IN CENTRAL DELHI

Paharganj, located opposite New Delhi Railway Station, is among the city's busiest hospitality hubs. The area is packed with hundreds of budget hotels, guest houses and lodges that cater to tourists, backpackers and travellers arriving from across India and abroad. However, beneath the bustle lies a troubling reality.

Walking through the labyrinthine lanes of Paharganj, the most striking sight is the dense web of overhead electrical wires hanging precariously above buildings.

In several stretches, tangled cables run directly over hotel entrances and narrow passageways.

Residents and visitors alike expressed concern that a single short circuit could trigger a catastrophic blaze.

The situation is made worse by the area's congested layout. Most hotels are located inside narrow lanes where even small cars struggle to pass. Emergency access appears to be a major challenge.

At several locations, India Today TV found hotels operating in alleyways so cramped that even a bicycle would have difficulty navigating through crowds and parked objects.

"What will happen if a fire breaks out here?" a local resident standing outside one such hotel was asked.

"The roads are too narrow. Fire engines won't be able to enter. We are helpless," the man replied.

Many hotels were found to have only a single entry and exit point, a glaring safety concern in the event of a fire.

NOCs BUT NO FIRE SAFETY ENSURED

Despite this, several establishments proudly displayed Fire Safety No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued by authorities.

At one hotel, staff members produced a fire clearance certificate when asked.

However, the building had only one staircase, no visible emergency exit and was located inside a lane inaccessible to large vehicles.

"This hotel has a fire NOC, but look at the surroundings. There are overhead wires everywhere, the lane is extremely narrow and there is only one way in and out," India Today observed during the inspection.

At another guest house, employees initially claimed they possessed all necessary documents. But when asked to produce the fire clearance certificate, they struggled to locate it.

In several instances, hotel staff appeared unaware of basic fire safety requirements despite operating establishments that host dozens of guests daily.

The contradictions become sharper when viewed against the backdrop of official certifications.

Several hotels displayed recently issued NOCs from the Delhi Fire Services and municipal authorities.

Yet the physical conditions on the ground raised serious doubts about how such clearances were granted.

GUESTS SENSE RISK, FEEL UNSAFE

A traveller from Hyderabad staying in the area admitted feeling uneasy after witnessing the conditions.

"The Malviya Nagar fire has scared me. When I came here, even my auto had difficulty entering these lanes. If there is an emergency, I don't know how people will get out," he said.

Another visitor pointed out that taxis often refuse to enter the inner lanes because of severe congestion. "If a taxi can't reach here, how will a fire brigade vehicle come?" he asked.

A RECIPE FOR DISASTER?

India Today also highlighted additional hazards. In many locations, commercial kitchens, gas cylinders, air-conditioning units, electrical meters and exposed wiring were found operating in close proximity.

Some ground-floor rooms had reportedly been converted into shops and restaurants, further reducing available space and potentially obstructing evacuation routes.

Long-time residents told India Today TV that many buildings originally designed as residential properties have gradually been converted into hotels over the years, often without corresponding upgrades to safety infrastructure.

NO LESSONS LEARNT?

The reality check raises uncomfortable questions. Have authorities learnt any lessons from repeated fire tragedies?

How are fire clearances being issued to establishments that appear to violate basic safety principles?

And most importantly, how many more warnings will it take before corrective action is taken?

The tragedy in Malviya Nagar has already claimed 21 lives. But the conditions visible across large parts of Delhi suggest that the city may still be sitting on multiple potential disaster zones.

Unless enforcement agencies conduct rigorous inspections and address glaring violations, these narrow lanes packed with hotels could become the setting for another catastrophe waiting to happen.

- Ends