NEW DELHI: Over two months after a massive fire gutted Dilli Haat, 24 displaced vendors returned to the iconic cultural hub on July 7, trying to restart their lives with fresh stock and renewed hope. But beneath the optimism lies a deep sense of loss and frustration.
The fire on April 30 destroyed dozens of stalls filled with handcrafted goods, textiles, jewellery, and regional art, erasing decades of hard work and causing losses amounting to crores. “We lost everything, our goods, our savings, our shops—but not our will to start again,” said one vendor.
Before the fire, most vendors operated from well-structured, spacious shops. Now, they have been allocated small tin-roofed stalls where even storing products is a challenge. “Our lives have turned upside down. We are trying to fit into this new space,” another said.
Though the Delhi Tourism Department offered six months of rent-free accommodation starting July 7 and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh per vendor, most traders are yet to receive the amount. Some vendors said the promised sum is inadequate. “We pay more than Rs 5 lakh in rent alone in six months. How can this cover our losses?” one artisan questioned.
The government also offered an alternative space at Dilli Haat, Pitampura, along with a year of rent-free shops. But most vendors rejected the proposal, citing lack of footfall. “Only influencers go to Pitampura. We won’t survive there,” a trader explained.
The rent-free arrangement at INA is valid until December 31, 2025, after which the vendors face an uncertain future. A group of them recently met Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, who assured that compensation cheques had been signed and would be distributed soon.
Meanwhile, vendors are pleading for basic promotional support to help attract footfall. “Our shops are now at the back. Visitors think the market is shut. We need banners at the gate to let people know we are still here,” said a vendor. As they rebuild from ashes, these artisans are not just asking for aid, they are demanding visibility, dignity, and a chance to survive.
