Fire at Delhi's Brahmaputra Apartments Reveals Critical Safety Deficiencies in MP Housing Complex

Authorities have stated that the cause of the fire incident is still being investigated.

Residents of Brahmaputra Apartments in Delhi expressed concerns about safety measures following a devastating fire that erupted on Saturday afternoon. Despite being a high-security residential complex housing numerous MPs and their staff, the building reportedly lacked essential fire safety preparedness and suffered from poor maintenance.

According to residents, several children sustained injuries requiring hospitalization, and numerous families experienced significant property damage due to the blaze at the complex located in the Baba Kharak Singh Marg area.

The fire originated in the ground floor parking area, which residents claim was improperly used to store furniture, polishing materials, and other flammable items. While officials continue their investigation into the cause, residents reported that the fire started when firecrackers were ignited near stacked furniture in the stilt area, leading to rapid spread of the flames.

"The area resembled a sofa warehouse. We attempted to find water, but nothing was functional. The fire extinguishers and pipes we tried had no water supply," recounted Gangaram Valmiki, who works for various MPs and was among the first to witness the incident. "The fire trucks arrived nearly an hour late, by which time significant damage had occurred."

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has refuted allegations of delayed response, asserting that teams arrived promptly after receiving the emergency call. According to official records, the DFS received notification at 1:22 PM and commenced operations by 1:40 PM. Fourteen fire tenders were dispatched to the location, and firefighters successfully contained the blaze by 2:10 PM.

Kamal Gahtori, personal assistant to Uttarakhand MP Naresh Bansal, informed reporters that the first floor, where he resides, suffered the most severe damage. He explained that when the fire erupted, he was attending an event while his family was away celebrating Diwali. His cook had gone out, leaving behind the cook's wife, two young children, and an elderly mother at home.

"The cook's wife had briefly stepped out for milk. Upon returning, she discovered the fire and immediately rushed back inside to rescue her family. Her elderly mother-in-law had mobility issues, but somehow she managed to get everyone to safety," Gahtori explained.

He lamented the complete destruction of his possessions. "All our belongings have been destroyed – documents, jewelry, clothing, even sarees inside wardrobes have melted together. We've lost everything," he said.

Gahtori noted that each floor contains eight staff quarters, adding, "The first floor has been entirely destroyed and suffered the worst damage. I'm uncertain about conditions on other floors."

Many residents raised serious concerns about maintenance standards and safety protocols in government residential buildings. The incident has rendered numerous staff families homeless.

Kamal Valmiki indicated that approximately 20 families have experienced substantial losses just before the Dhanteras festival. "Today is Dhanteras and people were preparing for celebrations, but now many families have lost everything," he remarked, suggesting the incident revealed significant deficiencies in the housing complex's maintenance.

The Central Public Works Department, responsible for building maintenance, has not yet provided an official response.

"This complex is supposed to maintain high security and proper upkeep. If basic safety inspections had been conducted regularly, this disaster could have been prevented," Valmiki alleged.

The Brahmaputra Apartments complex, which opened in 2020, serves as residence for Rajya Sabha MPs and their families.