Slum board's basic job is to leave a fire line after every 20 jhuggies: GC Mishra

What is the reason behind frequent fires in slum clusters?

Jhuggies are made of highly combustible material. The structures are short in height and if they catch fire, the roofs come down fast. Most houses have cylinders and stoves, which aid the fire. A little carelessness can cause a blaze. The houses are so closely spaced with such a high density of occupants that the amount of damage is always massive.

Do the hot, dry summer winds have a role to play?

In the hot and dry months between April and June, there is a high possibility of slum clusters catching fire.

It always takes time for fire tenders to reach these spots...

It is difficult because the access roads to reach these colonies are poor and narrow. It is a struggle for firemen to reach inside with the equipment. The flames jump from one place to another in a matter of minutes. If we lose time entering the place, the damage is done. The government must at least pave the access roads.

What can be done to minimise damage and prevent such fires?

The first thing that the urban planners need to do is to accept that these people are going to stay at the same place for years. Even if bodies such as DDA have plans to rehabilitate them with proper housing to be executed in years, they should know that meanwhile, in situ development of these places has to be done. Living cannot be stopped for years. They must plan. For instance, leave a fire line (an empty space) after every 20 jhuggies. The slum and rehabilitation board's basic job is to do this.