India, Dec. 19 -- The Delhi Government has launched a citywide fire safety inspection drive across restaurants, hotels and clubs, ordering the closure of five establishments for serious violations and issuing notices to 24 others. The inspections, carried out by the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), have so far covered 74 premises across the capital.

Officials said 45 establishments were found compliant with fire safety norms, while the rest failed to meet mandatory standards related to firefighting equipment, emergency exits and building bylaws. Home Minister Ashish Sood said the drive was aimed at preventing tragedies during a period of high public footfall.

"The safety of Delhiites is paramount. No negligence in compliance with fire safety n...