Delhi CM announces ₹10 lakh each to family of deceased in Palam fire 

Delhi CM announces ₹10 lakh compensation for families of fire victims in Palam, pledging a magisterial probe for safety improvements.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) announced a magisterial inquiry into the fire at Palam and also a compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the families of deceased adults, ₹5 lakh each to the families of deceased minors, and ₹2 lakh each to seriously injured.

Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu directed a comprehensive fire audit across localities and institutions at a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

The Chief Minister said that a magisterial probe has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and to prevent such incidents in the future. She added that the government is fully committed to ensuring relief, support, and all necessary assistance to those affected during this challenging time.

Ms. Gupta has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire that broke out in a multi-storey residential building in the Palam area of West Delhi. Calling the loss of innocent lives in the incident ‘heartbreaking,’ she extended her heartfelt condolences to the affected families.

The CM said the Delhi government stands firmly with the affected families in this difficult time and she prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families to cope with the irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X, “The incident in Delhi’s Palam is extremely tragic and I extend deep condolences to the affected families. I pray for peace for the departed souls. The recurring fire incidents in the national capital are a matter of concern. Narrow lanes, closely packed multi-storey buildings, and inadequate safety arrangements further increase the risk. It is extremely necessary for the government to take concrete and immediate steps in this direction.”