India, Nov. 6 -- The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged the Delhi government to strengthen fire safety arrangements in the capital's crowded commercial markets during the festive season, following a major fire at a mobile accessories shop in Gaffar Market.

In a letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the traders' body has sought the deployment of fire tenders, water bowsers and firefighting personnel on round-the-clock standby at 20 major markets until Bhai Dooj on November 11. It has also proposed the creation of a Rs 100-crore 'Traders' Fire Disaster Fund' to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by fire incidents.

The fire broke out at Chain Wali Gali in Karol Bagh's Gaffar Market on Friday morning, the day of ...