Delhi Malviya Nagar hotel fire: The Delhi Government has decided to discontinue its Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme and initiate a comprehensive review of all establishments operating under it following the devastating hotel fire in Malviya Nagar that left 21 persons dead.

The announcement was made by Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra a day after flames engulfed a hotel functioning under the B&B framework in south Delhi. The fire, one of the deadliest in the capital in recent years, killed 21 persons, including several foreign nationals, and injured many others.

Mishra said all properties registered under the scheme would be inspected and strict action would be taken against those found violating licence conditions.

"If any operator is found running more rooms than permitted under the licence, the registration will be cancelled," he said.

Hotel allegedly exceeded approved capacity

According to officials, the establishment, identified as Flourish Stay, had received a licence in 2024 under the Silver category of the B&B scheme. The approval allowed it to operate six rooms and remained valid until 2027.

However, preliminary investigations suggest the property was functioning far beyond its authorised capacity. Authorities suspect that nearly 25 rooms were being operated from the premises, including several located in the basement. Investigators also found that the building allegedly lacked the mandatory fire safety clearance required for such operations.

Tourism Department clarifies its role

Explaining the regulatory framework, Mishra said the tourism department's responsibilities are confined to issuing and renewing licences and conducting periodic inspections to ensure compliance.

He noted that guest records are required to be submitted regularly to the local police station and that the department is not involved in the day-to-day management of such establishments.

The government's decision comes at a time when plans were underway to overhaul the existing B&B policy. Just last month, the tourism department had circulated a draft proposal suggesting reforms to the scheme.

The proposed framework sought to classify properties into Gold and Silver categories based on infrastructure standards, guest facilities, sanitation, room specifications and safety measures.

Official data shows that more than 430 properties with over 2,200 rooms were registered under the scheme across Delhi as of 2023.