On the afternoon of April 15, a fire broke out in Lucknow’s Vikas Nagar, a densely populated settlement where migrant and daily wage workers have built their lives over the years. What began as a sudden blaze quickly spread through the narrow lanes, jumping from one makeshift home to another, leaving little time for residents to gather their belongings.

By the time the flames were brought under control hours later, nearly 300 homes had been gutted. Residents also reported hearing a series of explosions as LPG cylinders caught fire, intensifying the blaze and making it harder to control.

For many, the fire took away shelter and erased years of effort, savings, and stability in a single day. Amid the chaos, families ran in different directions, trying to escape the thick smoke and rising heat. Some attempted to salvage documents or small valuables, while others barely managed to get out with their lives. Thick smoke billowed across the area as multiple fire tenders were deployed, with teams working for hours to bring the situation under control.

When Reshma called her employers that day, her voice was trembling.

A domestic helper working in nearby homes, she had been part of the Vikas Nagar community for years. Like many others, she had slowly built a life for herself, saving what she could, keeping aside essentials, and holding on to important documents that defined her identity and security.

But in a matter of hours, all of it was gone.

“She lost everything. Her savings, jewellery, documents, even basic household items,” says Abdul Saboor, founder of the Madad Karona Foundation. “And her story is not unique. Almost every family here is going through the same loss.” 

Reshma is one among nearly 1,000 residents who have been displaced by the fire. The settlement, home to migrant workers and........

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