Delhi Fire Safety Crisis Exposed: Only 52 Hotels and 38 Clubs Hold Valid Certificates Following Goa Nightclub Tragedy

A catastrophic fire erupted at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub located in Arpora, North Goa.

New Delhi:

According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), only 52 hotels and 38 clubs out of thousands operating in the national capital possess valid fire safety certificates.

These statistics have gained particular significance amidst intensified inspections and actions by Goa Police following a nightclub blaze that claimed 25 lives.

A source connected to restaurant associations highlighted that these figures reveal a deeply unorganized and unregulated hospitality industry in Delhi.

The source estimated that Delhi houses over 50,000 restaurants, more than 5,000 hotels, and in excess of 1,000 nightclubs, yet only a minimal fraction have completed fire-safety certification processes.

"Establishments serving alcohol require an excise certificate, fire safety certificate, and FSSAI permit. However, the sector remains highly unorganized, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and clubs neither obtaining nor applying for fire safety certification," the source explained.

They further noted that the DFS implements specific regulations regarding minimum area requirements for certificate issuance.

"Disasters can occur anywhere, and hotel, nightclub, and restaurant proprietors bear responsibility for maintaining functional and updated fire-suppression equipment. It's alarming that in a metropolis like Delhi, only 52 hotels and 38 clubs hold valid fire safety certificates," the source commented.

A DFS official clarified that fire safety certificates are issued to restaurants with a built-up area measuring 90 square meters or more.

The devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, resulted in 25 fatalities.

This tragedy has triggered nationwide scrutiny of fire safety preparedness, especially in densely populated entertainment districts.

As part of their investigation, a Goa Police team arrived in Delhi on Monday and searched the Hudson Lane residence of the nightclub owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, near Delhi University. The owners were not found at the location.

The Goa Police has requested assistance from local authorities in locating the two individuals.

Thus far, Goa Police has arrested the club's chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur.

Another employee, Bharat Kohli, who managed daily operations at the club and resides in Sabzi Mandi, north Delhi, was detained in the capital. His name emerged during a club manager's interrogation. Kohli is being transported to Goa for further questioning, according to a source.

Among the 25 victims of the club fire, four were Delhi residents and relatives: Vinod Kumar (43), Kamla Joshi (42), Anita Joshi (41), and Saroj Joshi (39).

Bhavna, injured in the incident, is Vinod's wife and sister to the three women.

With anticipated crowds for Christmas and New Year celebrations in Delhi, city police have announced enhanced vigilance across popular party venues.

A police officer stated that clubs, bars, restaurants, and event venues have been instructed to review fire safety compliance, ensure functional extinguishers, maintain unobstructed exits, and strictly monitor electrical loads.

"High-attendance nights demand complete adherence to emergency protocols. We will maintain rigorous surveillance," the officer affirmed.

Additional PCR vans, motorcycle patrols, and foot patrol teams have been deployed throughout the city, particularly near prominent nightlife establishments and hotels. District police units are working with fire officials to conduct joint inspections, he added.

Representatives from the hospitality industry indicated they were already reassessing safety standards in response to the Goa tragedy.