Mohammed Israil

Delhi fire tragedy: In Hauz Rani, residents rely on ‘themselves, neighbours’ as fears linger

As one enters Hauz Rani in South Delhi, the aftermath of a tragedy still hangs heavy over the narrow lanes where a massive fire at Flourish Stay B&B claimed 21 lives. The bylanes are tight, almost claustrophobic, with homes pressing in from both sides, making navigation difficult even on foot. Overhead, a dense web of tangled electrical and communication wires stretches across the locality—drooping, overlapping and hanging dangerously close to rooftops.