New Delhi: A massive fire, that burnt 50 shops in the Bhagirath Palace market of Delhi's Chandni Chowk on Thursday, has been brought under control, reported ANI citing the fire department.
The narrow lanes of the market made it difficult for the fire trucks to reach on time.
Earlier, Delhi Fire Service Director Atul Garg said, "A major part of the building has been damaged and officials are using remote control fire fighting machine to douse the flames."
The early morning visuals of the market showed fire tenders trying to douse the flames. Around 150 firefighters were engaged for the massive task of bringing down the fir in the market.
No casualty has been reported till now.
Reacting to the incident, former Health Minister Dr. Harshvardhan said, "Efforts are being put in to douse the fire. Fire officials and Police are at the site. Fire has not been brought under control so far. Two floors have been damaged. No casualty has been reported. The reason for the fire is not known yet."
Earlier, around 18 to 20 fire tenders were rushed to the spot but the number increased as the fire couldn't be brought down.
Notably, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena last month had announced that the fire tenders and ambulances will soon be deployed in and around Chandni Chowk to help deal with emergency situations in the area that is known for its heritage buildings and old markets.
Saxena said that an exercise to identify fire-prone locations for deployment of fire tenders and deployment of ambulances is being undertaken here by the fire department.
Delhi chief secretary, special officer of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), special commissioner of police (traffic) and several other senior officers of MCD, Public Works Department (PWD) and Delhi Police accompanied the LG Saxena during his visit.
Earlier, in October, the Delhi Fire Service formed an internal panel, headed by the Chief Fire Officer, to identify 50 accident-prone spots in the national capital where mobile fire tenders could be deployed.
Places such as Chandi Chowk and Sadar Bazar may have fire stations nearby, however, due to the congested and narrow lanes, the fire tenders take time to reach there, a mobile fire tender and PCR van will reach such places in the shortest time possible, the committee said.