The Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have shut down several illegal hotels following a deadly fire in Malviya Nagar.

This crackdown highlights a systemic failure in urban safety enforcement. The disaster has forced officials to address the proliferation of unlicensed guest houses that bypass critical fire-safety regulations and building codes.

Authorities targeted the Malviya Nagar area and nearby Hauz Rani to identify properties operating without legal permits [1], [2]. The operation resulted in the removal of signboards, and the forced closure of multiple guest houses [2], [3].

Officials identified at least 18 properties operating illegally [2]. The surge in enforcement follows a catastrophic blaze at a local hotel that killed 21 people [1]. The fire exposed widespread safety violations and a lack of oversight regarding how residential properties are converted into commercial lodging.

In response to the tragedy, the Delhi government announced plans to scrap the existing B&B policy [1]. This policy change aims to tighten the legal requirements for short-term rentals, and ensure that all lodging facilities meet strict safety standards before they can operate.

City officials said the current measures are part of a broader effort to enforce building regulations. The government is now auditing similar properties across the city to prevent further loss of life from preventable structural fires [2].

“The Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have shut down several illegal hotels.”

The decision to scrap the B&B policy indicates a shift toward more rigid regulatory oversight of the hospitality sector in Delhi. By targeting unlicensed 'grey market' hotels, the city is attempting to eliminate a high-risk category of housing that often lacks emergency exits and fire alarms, though this may increase the cost of budget accommodations for travelers.