Fire guts multiple stalls at Delhi’s Dilli Haat market; No casualties, probe underway

A massive fire broke out at the Dilli Haat open-air market in Delhi‘s INA area at approximately 8:55 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, resulting in extensive damage to several artisan-run stalls. The Delhi Fire Service, which was the first agency to confirm the incident, deployed 13 fire tenders to the scene shortly after receiving the emergency call. Flames were visible from surrounding neighbourhoods, prompting swift evacuation and emergency response measures.

The fire was brought under control after several hours, with no casualties reported as of late Wednesday night. Cooling operations continued past midnight to prevent any flare-ups, while local authorities sealed off the affected sections of the market for further inspection.

What Is Dilli Haat and Why Is It Important?

Dilli Haat is a government-run marketplace managed by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). It serves as a central venue for showcasing regional handicrafts, cuisines, and cultural performances. Established in 1994, the market has become one of Delhi’s premier destinations for promoting India’s artisanal and culinary heritage.

Vendors at Dilli Haat typically represent different states under a rotational system, often supported by state emporiums and tribal welfare agencies. The market draws both domestic and international tourists and contributes significantly to small-scale artisan incomes.

Wednesday night’s fire is the most severe incident reported at the site in over a decade. It has disrupted business operations for a number of artisans who had recently stocked their stalls for the summer tourism season and upcoming public events.

Which Areas Were Most Affected by the Dilli Haat Fire?

The fire reportedly originated at the rear section of the market, where many of the handicraft stalls are located. These stalls commonly house wooden structures and fabric-based installations, which are highly susceptible to fire. Delhi Fire Service personnel confirmed that the fire spread rapidly but was contained to a single stretch of the complex before it could engulf adjacent food courts or performance spaces.

Vendors from Kashmir, Rajasthan, and the Northeast were among those who suffered significant losses, with many reporting destruction of handmade shawls, jewellery, terracotta work, and tribal artefacts. Artisans said they had recently stocked their inventories for the peak tourist season, making the incident economically devastating.

What Have Authorities Said So Far?

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in a late-night press briefing, described the fire as an “unfortunate event” and stated that the state government was coordinating with the Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Police to investigate the incident. Gupta assured that affected vendors would receive immediate support and that the administration was working on a damage assessment report.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said that an initial inspection indicated the market’s fire systems needed urgent upgrades. He acknowledged that while Dilli Haat complied with basic fire codes, the spread and scale of the fire indicated lapses that must be addressed.

Mishra stated that DTTDC officials had been instructed to compile a list of affected stallholders, assess the economic losses, and provide relief in coordination with Delhi’s revenue department.

What Is the Likely Cause of the Fire?

As of April 30 night, the cause of the blaze remained under investigation. Officials from the Delhi Fire Service indicated that an electrical short circuit was a possible trigger, but this has not yet been confirmed. Delhi Police and forensic teams have started a parallel inquiry and are examining CCTV footage to determine the sequence of events.

A final cause report is expected following a detailed forensic inspection. Authorities have also initiated a technical audit of the site’s electrical wiring and fire suppression equipment.

Are There Safety Protocols in Place at Dilli Haat?

Dilli Haat has basic fire safety systems, including fire extinguishers, access routes for emergency vehicles, and general fire awareness signage. However, vendors and safety experts have previously raised concerns over the market’s preparedness, citing frequent overcrowding, inadequate electrical maintenance, and outdated firefighting gear.

An internal audit by DTTDC in 2023 had flagged minor fire safety compliance gaps, but full remediation had not been completed. Wednesday’s fire has now prompted calls for a full-scale fire safety overhaul not only at Dilli Haat but across all similar cultural hubs and public markets in Delhi.

What Are the Next Steps for Recovery?

Kapil Mishra has indicated that a high-level committee will be formed to oversee restoration and reconstruction of the damaged portions of Dilli Haat. A phased reopening plan may be implemented after safety clearance is granted. Meanwhile, the Delhi government is expected to announce an emergency fund for compensation and temporary relocation of affected vendors.

Officials from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority and the DTTDC are also reviewing the potential for insurance coverage and vendor welfare initiatives. Artisans have been urged to document their losses for claims processing.

Why This Incident Matters Beyond Dilli Haat

The fire at Dilli Haat is not only a disruption for the vendors involved but also highlights broader concerns about the safety infrastructure of heritage markets and tourism sites across India’s capital. With rising temperatures and increased power loads during summer, fire risk in crowded public venues becomes significantly higher.

Civic bodies and tourism departments may now face pressure to prioritise disaster resilience in market designs. This includes not only electrical upgrades and fire exits but also digital monitoring systems and regular evacuation drills.

Urban safety analysts noted that incidents like the Dilli Haat fire serve as a wake-up call for municipal corporations and tourism authorities to enhance structural safety at similar venues, especially those involving wooden kiosks and temporary setups.

Public Response and Social Impact

Public support for the affected artisans has begun to build on social media platforms, with several civil society groups urging the government to expedite relief. As many of the artisans travel from outstation regions and rely on their time-limited slots at Dilli Haat, delays in reopening or compensation could result in prolonged financial hardship.

Tourists who had planned visits to Dilli Haat this week have been advised to check with DTTDC for updates on partial reopenings or alternate sites showcasing state crafts.

As of 11:00 PM IST, the fire was fully extinguished and no further flare-ups had been reported. Authorities continue to assess the structural integrity of the affected zone. Restoration efforts are expected to begin once forensic clearance is received.

In the coming days, attention will turn toward accountability, reconstruction timelines, and long-term fire safety reform across Delhi’s cultural infrastructure. The Dilli Haat fire has exposed the vulnerabilities of artisan markets, even those run by state agencies, and may become a turning point in how such public venues are managed.