Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, a bustling commercial hub, has finally seen the operationalization of fire hydrants installed during its recent redevelopment, aimed at bolstering firefighting capabilities in the densely populated area.
Since their installation along the 1.3-km stretch between Fatehpuri Masjid and Jain Mandir, the 71 fire hydrants have faced issues of theft and non-functionality, exacerbating challenges for the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) in combating fires in narrow alleys and congested markets storing flammable goods.
Recently, during a fire incident at Marwari Katra’s Anil Market, the long-dormant hydrants were pressed into service following rectification of technical issues and replenishment arrangements. Sanjay Bhargava, president of the market association, highlighted the efforts made by the Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD) to address the operational hindrances.
“To solve this, the PWD team will now fix the couplings during a fire emergency and then remove them once the fire is doused,” Bhargava explained, emphasizing the need for swift action during emergencies to prevent delays in firefighting efforts.
The redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, initiated in 2004 and completed in 2021, aimed to modernize infrastructure and enhance safety measures. However, the effectiveness of fire hydrants remained dormant until recently, underscoring persistent challenges in urban firefighting infrastructure.
Experts such as former DFS Chief S K Dheri and A K Sharma highlighted the historical context and evolving urban challenges in maintaining adequate firefighting infrastructure amidst rapid urbanization and population growth.
Despite challenges, the recent activation of Chandni Chowk’s fire hydrants marks a significant step forward in bolstering firefighting capabilities in one of Delhi’s oldest and most congested areas.