FireSafety – Residents Raise Alarm Over Hazardous Plywood Storage in Delhi Area

FireSafety – Residents of Wazir Nagar in Kotla Mubarakpur say they are living under constant stress due to the growing risk of fire accidents in their neighborhood. The daily routine begins with the loud movement of plywood sheets being loaded and unloaded, as dozens of shops open early each morning. Beyond the disturbance, locals fear that the conditions could lead to a serious disaster.

Unregulated Shops Raise Safety Questions

The core of the issue lies in Gali No. 7, where around 37 plywood shops operate from ground floors and basements of residential buildings. According to residents, none of these establishments have obtained mandatory fire safety clearance. This concern was formally highlighted through a Right to Information request filed last year, which confirmed that no fire safety certificates had been issued to these units.

Locals argue that the situation violates basic safety norms, especially given the nature of materials stored in these spaces. The absence of official oversight has only added to the unease among families living in close proximity to these shops.

Flammable Materials Stored in Residential Buildings

With temperatures expected to rise during the summer months, the risk becomes even more serious. Basements across the lane are reportedly packed with highly combustible materials such as plywood sheets, timber, paints, varnish, and chemical thinners. These substances, combined with residential gas connections in upper floors, create a potentially dangerous environment.

Residents say the presence of such materials in confined spaces significantly increases the chances of a fire spreading rapidly, leaving little room for escape or emergency response.

Legal Action and Court Observations

The issue has already reached the judicial system. Nearly a year ago, the local Resident Welfare Association approached the Delhi High Court seeking intervention. The court noted that using basements for storing hazardous materials for commercial purposes may violate provisions of the Master Plan of Delhi 2021, along with municipal and development authority regulations.

Following this, the Municipal Corporation conducted a survey and submitted a status report in August 2025. Property owners were instructed to stop misuse of premises within 48 hours or face sealing of their properties. However, residents claim that no meaningful enforcement followed these directions.

Delays in Administrative Response

In January 2026, the matter was brought back before the court, which directed authorities to submit an updated action report. When no report was filed, the court, during its February 26 hearing, disposed of the case but instructed the civic body to issue a detailed order within six weeks.

According to local RWA representatives, even after nearly two months, no such order has been issued. Residents say this delay reflects a lack of urgency in addressing a potentially life-threatening issue.

Daily Life Disrupted for Residents

Apart from safety concerns, the situation has also affected the quality of life in the area. Continuous noise from early morning loading activities disrupts sleep and daily routines. Some families have reportedly moved out due to the persistent disturbance and fear.

Others continue to stay, hoping for intervention. Residents point out that minor fire incidents have occurred in the past, further highlighting the risks associated with the current setup.

Authorities Yet to Respond

Attempts to reach officials from the concerned municipal zone have reportedly gone unanswered. Residents feel that without immediate and decisive action, the situation could escalate into a major incident.

For now, families in the area continue to live with uncertainty, balancing daily life with the constant fear of a possible fire hazard looming around them.