Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Visits Rohini Fire Victims, Promises Swift Rehabilitation and Support

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Visits Rohini Fire Victims, Promises Swift Rehabilitation and Support
Jitendra Kumar
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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the fire-ravaged jhuggi cluster in Rohini following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two children and left over 800 families homeless. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured residents that the government was mobilizing all possible resources to support the affected.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday, quickly spread through the densely packed settlement, fueled by inflammable construction materials and lack of fire safety mechanisms. Despite prompt intervention by the Delhi Fire Services, the damage was extensive. Two young children, aged 4 and 7, lost their lives in the incident, and several others sustained injuries.

CM Gupta, during her visit to the site, interacted with the affected families, many of whom had lost all their belongings. “The tragedy that occurred here is unimaginable. I cannot begin to fathom the pain of parents who have lost their children. The government is standing firmly with them in this hour of grief,” Gupta stated, visibly emotional.

The Chief Minister announced immediate financial relief for the victims. Families of the deceased would receive ₹10 lakh each, while those injured would be given ₹50,000. Additionally, temporary shelters equipped with food, drinking water, and medical facilities have been arranged in nearby community halls and schools.

“Our government will not let any family sleep under the open sky. We are coordinating with the DUSIB (Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board) to provide swift housing solutions and are preparing a long-term rehabilitation plan,” said Gupta.

She also directed the fire and disaster management departments to conduct a thorough inquiry into the cause of the blaze. Preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit might have been the cause, but Gupta stressed the need for preventive strategies in slum clusters.

“Incidents like these show us the urgent need for better infrastructure in slum areas. We will accelerate our slum redevelopment programs to ensure no citizen has to live in unsafe conditions,” the CM added.

The Delhi government has already allocated ₹696 crore in the latest budget for slum development, a major part of which is designated for pucca housing under PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana). Gupta reaffirmed her vision of replacing jhuggis with permanent, safe homes.

Social workers and relief volunteers at the site praised the government’s prompt response but urged for continued attention beyond the immediate aftermath. “What matters now is whether these promises are kept in the long run,” said Rachna Yadav, a local volunteer coordinating relief distribution.

The Delhi Police have been tasked with ensuring security in the area to prevent looting of whatever belongings remain in the gutted homes. Meanwhile, medical teams are providing counseling to affected children and families.

In the Delhi Assembly, the incident was raised by multiple opposition members, who criticized the city’s preparedness for fire-related disasters in informal settlements. CM Gupta responded by inviting cross-party support for long-term urban safety reforms.

“This isn’t a political issue—it’s a humanitarian one. Let’s work together to make Delhi safer for everyone, regardless of their social or economic background,” she urged.

As the city mourns, the tragedy in Rohini serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life in Delhi’s jhuggi clusters and the urgent need for inclusive urban planning.

Journalist Details

Jitendra Kumar
Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.