Summary:
New Delhi: The fire that claimed 43 lives, putting 16 others in the hospital was waiting to happen as the entire Anaj Mandi area had become a ticking time bomb, with more than 50-60 factories operating out of small buildings in the area - many without fire clearance from the Delhi Fire Service. Residents who have lived in the area for years said that the area was largely residential before such factories started popping up around 10-15 years ago. As one walks through the main entrance gate of Anaj Mandi, furniture shops, meat shops and several other household items shops line the narrow lanes in the heart of North Delhi. "I used to work as a carpenter in the area for 10-15 years and also live here. We always thought that something dangerous could happen but such a tragic incident had never crossed our minds," said a former resident of Anaj Mandi, speaking to Millennium Post..