Reconstruction work going on in Dilli Haat on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: ATUL RANJAN

Nearly a month after a major fire gutted 24 shops in south Delhi’s Dilli Haat, the pedestrian-only market is facilitating the entry of vehicles like fire engines as part of its reconstruction.

This comes after the fire brigade team had reportedly faced difficulties entering the market to douse the fire on April 30.

At the northern end, a narrow but non-functional gate opening towards the Maharaja Agrasen Marg is being widened and the pathway is being cleared of stalls and shops to make space for vehicular movements for future emergencies.

“We plan to open this gate for a complete and seamless entry of emergency vehicles in case we need to penetrate to the core inside,” said Neharika Rai, CEO of Delhi Tourism, which is responsible for the market’s maintenance.

Meanwhile, those whose shops were gutted continue to wait for compensation. “We are under pressure to clear the pending wages of artisans. They too are helpless and depend on us for their livelihood,” one shopkeeper said.

“The compensation is being processed by the New Delhi administration,” said a senior official.

Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra had assured shopkeepers of every help needed to restart their businesses.

On Wednesday, Mr. Mishra inaugurated an installation on Operation Sindoor dedicated to the Indian Army in Dilli Haat.