Lucknow fire in commercially-turned residential building calls for immediate action-plan to restore residential character of Bhagirath Palace (Chandni Chowk) by Delhi Government
Delhi Government should immediately launch an urgent action-plan to restore residential character of Bhagirath Palace (Chandni Chowk) and other similar localities at least now after tragic fire on Monday 22nd June 2026 in a commercial-turned residential building of Lucknow (UP).
Shopkeepers and road-encroachers in Bhagirath Palace already having witnessed two major fire-incidents even did not leave road-space that could provide access to fire-brigade vans to reach the actual site of fire. Dealers of medicines, surgical goods, electrical and electronics items should be shifted at some other place near to Railway Station and Bus-terminal because most of sale of these items is done to customers coming from outside Delhi. Nearby single-storied Lajpatrai Market and New Lajpatrai Market can be rebuilt as multistoried commercial complex for such items
Strict-most action should be taken against existing or retired staff of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) who closed there eyes while this posh residential area of half-a-century ago turned into a jungle of small shops subsequently merging nearby localities of Chah Indara, Katra Lachchusingh and others in flooded market of Bhagirath Palace. Existing MCD staff having jurisdiction on Bhagirath Palace should be terminated while all post-retirement benefits including pensions should be stopped with FIR lodged against such existing and retired MCD staff. Encroachment of licensed tehbazari on lane connecting Bhai Mati dass Chowk with Chandni Chowk Metro station should also be removed with elected representatives of the are also punished for forcing such unauthorized activity.
Already Delhi has witnessed similar building complex in Saket and major fire in a hotel in Malviya Nagar. Therefore a survey should be launched for action including demolition of all such structures having built in any part of Delhi in an unauthorized manner. Crash-programme should be launched to clear all roads and footpaths in Chandni Chowk and adjoining areas to clear encroachments on roads and footpaths with support of local police and Delhi Traffic Police. Shopkeepers should be directed to put their merchandise within their shops like is the system exists in Mumbai.
