Following the devastating Vivek Vihar fire tragedy that claimed nine lives on May 3, 2026, the Delhi government has decided to formulate a comprehensive firefighting master plan aimed at strengthening the city’s fire safety infrastructure and emergency response systems.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently chaired a high-level meeting with officials from the fire department and other concerned agencies, directing them to prepare a detailed blueprint for the plan. Work on the proposed framework has already begun.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood also held a separate review meeting with fire department officials to assess the city’s preparedness for fire emergencies. Discussions focused on challenges faced during rescue operations, availability of modern firefighting equipment, procurement of new technology, and long-term modernisation of the fire services department.
Officials have been instructed to prepare a firefighting master plan keeping in mind the city’s requirements over the next three, 15 and 25 years.
The Home Minister further directed the department to reduce response time during fire incidents, upgrade internal communication systems, establish an advanced command-and-monitoring mechanism, and train personnel using modern firefighting technologies.
Divisional officers were also told they would be held directly accountable for fire prevention and control measures within their jurisdictions. They were instructed to launch awareness campaigns in collaboration with RWAs, business associations, religious committees, parks, clubs and other social organisations to educate people about fire safety and encourage the installation of modern firefighting equipment in homes.
Sood directed the Fire Department to conduct fire audits of schools, colleges, hospitals, and shelters to strengthen and strengthen their security systems. The Home Minister also directed the Fire Department's Principal Director to hold an inter-departmental coordination meeting.