A major fire broke out at the Dastkar Nature Bazaar in South Delhi, destroying around 50 shops and causing significant damage to the popular handicrafts market. The blaze erupted on Sunday morning at the market located near Andheria Mor in the Mehrauli area, prompting a large-scale firefighting operation.

According to officials, fire tenders were rushed to the spot soon after the fire was reported. Firefighters worked for several hours to control the flames and prevent them from spreading further in the crowded market area.

No casualties reported

Authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. Officials said that most of the shops were closed when the fire started, which likely prevented a major tragedy.

However, several stalls selling handicrafts, garments, and traditional products were completely destroyed in the blaze. Shop owners and artisans suffered heavy financial losses as their goods and materials were burnt in the fire.

Firefighting teams rushed to the spot

Multiple fire tenders from the Delhi Fire Service were deployed immediately after receiving information about the incident. Firefighters battled the flames and managed to bring the fire under control after intense efforts.

Officials said that the congested layout of the market and the presence of highly flammable materials inside the stalls made firefighting operations challenging. Despite these difficulties, firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby areas.

Cause of the fire under investigation

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest that a short circuit or electrical fault may have triggered the blaze, though officials have not confirmed the exact reason yet.

Fire department officials and local police are examining the site and collecting evidence to understand how the fire started and spread so rapidly through the market.

Popular market for traditional crafts

The Dastkar Nature Bazaar is a well-known cultural marketplace that showcases handmade crafts, textiles and traditional products from artisans across India. The bazaar is organised by Dastkar, an organisation that works to promote traditional handicrafts and support craft communities.

The market regularly hosts exhibitions and craft fairs where artisans from different states sell handmade goods such as fabrics, jewellery, pottery, and decorative items.

Shopkeepers count heavy losses

Following the incident, many shopkeepers and artisans gathered at the site to assess the damage. Several traders said their entire stock had been destroyed, leading to heavy financial losses.

Local authorities are expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the damage and consider relief measures for affected shop owners.

Safety concerns raised

The incident has also raised concerns about fire safety arrangements in busy marketplaces in the national capital. Experts say regular safety inspections, proper electrical wiring, and emergency preparedness are essential to prevent such incidents in crowded commercial areas.

Officials are expected to review safety measures at similar markets across the city to avoid future accidents.

The fire at the Dastkar Nature Bazaar highlights the vulnerability of traditional marketplaces to sudden disasters and the importance of stronger safety protocols to protect both livelihoods and heritage craft spaces.