Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is personally leading the relief and rehabilitation efforts following a massive fire in Rohini’s jhuggi cluster that claimed two lives and destroyed hundreds of makeshift homes. As rescue operations conclude, Gupta has launched a full-scale government response rooted in her newly introduced “No One Left Behind” policy for marginalized communities.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, swept through one of Rohini’s largest slum settlements. Flames devoured over 800 shanties, forcing thousands into the open streets. Two children perished in the tragedy, and many others suffered burns and trauma.
Within hours, CM Rekha Gupta visited the site, meeting survivors, consoling families, and promising government support. In her address, she stated: “This is not just an emergency response—it’s the beginning of a more compassionate governance model. Every person matters, and no one will be left behind.”
Key components of Gupta’s immediate response include:
- Mobile kitchens and nutrition centers for displaced families.
- Free school supplies and uniforms for children who lost their belongings.
- Fast-track Aadhaar and ration card reissuance for identification recovery.
- Weekly progress reports on relief from a newly created “Rohini Rehabilitation Taskforce.”
The “No One Left Behind” policy aims to integrate relief, welfare, and infrastructure efforts across departments. This includes convergence with existing welfare schemes like the Delhi Annashree Yojana, widow pension programs, and vocational training for adults from displaced communities.
“We are moving beyond piecemeal aid. This is about giving people a second chance—with dignity,” Gupta said.
Urban experts have described the policy as a potential model for other Indian metros facing similar challenges. “Slums are the engines of informal labor that drive our cities. This approach—if sustained—can lead to lasting empowerment,” said Professor Kamlesh Nair, a sociologist at Delhi University.
The CM’s office also confirmed that legal aid and child welfare officers have been dispatched to help families navigate issues related to insurance, education continuity, and lost documentation.
Delhi’s Civil Defence Volunteers are distributing tents, solar lanterns, and hygiene kits, while mobile medical units are vaccinating children and tending to minor injuries.
However, Gupta acknowledged the long road ahead: “Emergency relief is only the first step. We are also working on medium and long-term solutions, including a new resettlement colony within 5 kilometers of the affected site.”
In parallel, the government is fast-tracking 1BHK EWS flats under the Delhi Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. Affected families will be given preference, provided they can furnish residence proof from before the incident.
To ensure transparency, the government has launched a public dashboard that tracks every rupee spent on relief and every family supported. Citizens can also report issues directly through a helpline.
As Delhi grapples with the aftermath of the fire, CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership and promise of inclusive recovery are drawing national attention. Whether these initiatives translate into long-term change remains to be seen—but for now, Gupta’s words echo across the scorched landscape of Rohini: “We will rebuild, and we will do it together.”
