NEW DELHI: Majnu ka Tila, known for its popular cafés and Tibetan street food, has long been a favourite among DU students and young visitors. Many of these cafés operate out of tightly packed buildings, often spread across multiple floors.Earlier this week, Delhi High Court directed civic authorities to take action against cafés and restaurants in the area that are operating without sanctioned building plans and in violation of fire-safety norms.Several café owners in the area, though, said they had not yet received any official notices and remained unaware of how or when enforcement would begin. Some, however, said they had already taken safety measures. Prince, the manager of one such restaurant, said his establishment had multiple exits and emergency arrangements in place. “There is a road at the back from where the fire brigade can enter. We have fire exits on both floors and a water tank on the rooftop for emergencies,” he said.Local residents, on the other hand, said strict action was necessary given the overcrowding in the area. Parvinder Kaur and her husband, Narjeet Singh, who have lived nearby for decades, said there was earlier only one restaurant in the locality. “Now there are many multi-storey buildings without proper exits. If one place catches fire, the entire area will be in danger,” the Singhs said.They added that the situation becomes particularly risky on weekends. “On Friday nights, the crowd is very heavy. If something happens, it will be very difficult to get out. Even cars cannot enter these lanes,” they said.Young visitors expressed mixed reactions to the court’s direction, supporting the need for safety while also feeling emotional about the possible closure of their favourite eating spots.
