CM Rekha Gupta during the signing of an agreement with the Central Road Research Institute and the School of Planning and Architecture to make Delhi’s roads dust-free, on Monday.
Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Taranjit Singh Sandhu, along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Monday chaired a Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting to review the status of the ongoing enforcement drive against illegal buildings, fire safety violations, and the city’s disaster management preparedness.
The L-G, who is also the DDMA Chairman, suggested exploring the induction of former Agniveers into the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) to address the shortage of manpower and fill operational vacancies to strengthen emergency response in the Capital.
Expressing displeasure over the fire department’s enforcement record, Mr. Sandhu said the DFS had not issued a single notice during the ongoing drive against violations. He directed the DFS Principal Director to take immediate action and submit updates to the offices of the L-G, Chief Minister and Home Minister.
Home Minister Ashish Sood and PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh were also present in the meeting.
The DDMA accepted a proposal by Mr. Sood to enforce Section 32 of the Delhi Fire Services Act, 2007, extending fire prevention and safety measures to all multi-storey buildings in Delhi, irrespective of whether they require a fire safety certificate.
At present, buildings taller than 15 metres are required to obtain a no-objection certificate from the DFS.
Reviewing the ongoing crackdown on illegal and unsafe structures, the L-G said enforcement should be strict but must not lead to harassment of ordinary residents.
No room for excuses: CM
The Chief Minister underlined that all government agencies and authorities must work seamlessly as one team to deliver results, noting that there is no room for excuses or underutilised administrative powers.
Published – June 09, 2026 01:00 am IST
