Malviya Nagar Fire Flourish Stay Mcd Tatkal License Lal Dora Loopholes

The blaze at a bed and breakfast (BnB) in South Delhi s Malviya Nagar that claimed at least 21 lives on Wednesday follows two other major fire tragedies in the Capital earlier this year: the Palam and the Vivek Vihar incidents. Even as a blame game has started... The blaze at a bed and breakfast (BnB) in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar that claimed at least 21 lives on Wednesday follows two other major fire tragedies in the Capital earlier this year: the Palam and the Vivek Vihar incidents. Even as a blame game has started — with the police, the civic body, tourism and fire departments pointing fingers at one another — the common people are questioning the authorities over alleged gaps and lapses. According to the Delhi Police, The Flourish Stay had the permission to operate only six rooms under a BnB module. The owner, however, was allegedly operating 26 rooms. Government departments are blaming the police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), saying it was their responsibility to pass the building plan and approvals for the restaurant; and to file reports on the guests staying at the BnB. The MCD claimed it “had no role to play” as the BnB was a ‘Lal Dora’ property and thus exempt from municipal building norms. “All buildings falling under ‘Lal Dora’ areas and constructed before 2014 are protected… Therefore, MCD cannot take action against such buildings,” said a senior MCD official. The Flourish Stay had a restaurant on the first floor and a kitchen in the basement. The civic body said it was not aware of the restaurant at the BnB because the owner had only applied for a ‘Tatkal’ licence for a tea stall on the ground floor for which physical inspections are not mandatory. According to a document, “The House, The Flourish Stay, located at H.No. 269-C-2, Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, is owned by Jay Mishra and was registered for six rooms (three rooms on the first floor and three rooms on the second floor) under the Silver Category of The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Incredible India) Bed & Breakfast Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2007, by the Department of Tourism, Government of NCT of Delhi.” A senior official from the Delhi Tourism department told The Indian Express, “Under the BnB scheme, a licence is issued for three years, after which it is renewed on the owner’s request. The licence, issued in 2024, was valid till 2027. Before issuing the licence, a team comprising three to four officials/members from the Tourism department, DTTDC, Delhi Police and the Tourism Ministry conducts an inspection. Then a report is submitted.” “As per the Bed and Breakfast Act, we are not required to check if the premises has rooms, beds, sofas, crockery, etc. The Tourism department does not grant the fire NOC (No Objection Certificate), building plans and other permissions…,” the official said. “The building had three rooms on one floor and three on the other. An approval was given for