5,301 incidents, 40 fatalities, Rs 97.7 Cr loss: Govt bolsters fire safety response mechanism in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Authorities in Hyderabad have intensified efforts to bolster the fire safety and emergency response system across the city. This follows the deadly Gulzar House fire that claimed 17 lives.

A detailed report presented by the Fire Safety Department to Hyderabad District Collector Anudeep Durishetty revealed that over the last five years, as many as 5,301 fire incidents have occurred within the Hyderabad division, resulting in 40 fatalities, injuries to two individuals, and a property loss estimated at Rs 97.7 crore.

According to the report, Hyderabad currently has 13 fire stations under its jurisdiction. Of the thousands of incidents recorded, 85 were categorized as major fires, 103 as moderate, and 5,113 as minor. Significantly, 48 of the major incidents caused extensive damage to life and property.

Tragic incidents cited in the report include the Nampally Bazarghat fire that killed nine, the Gulzar Houz blaze with 17 fatalities, the Bhoiguda fire that claimed 11 lives, and the Rein Bazaar incident where three members of a family perished.

Technology-led response measures

To enhance rescue operations and minimize response time, authorities have begun utilizing the ‘KITE Eye’ technology. This system allows emergency services to track and deploy the nearest available fire vehicles to the site of an incident efficiently.

Additionally, the department has deployed two Bronto Skylift vehicles capable of reaching up to 18 floors and has started using robots for high-risk rescue and firefighting operations.

Officials emphasized that these improvements are part of a broader push to modernize disaster response infrastructure in Hyderabad, following a string of high-casualty incidents. The new measures are aimed at reducing loss of life, limiting property damage, and ensuring rapid response during emergencies.

GHMC tightens fire norms in commercial zones after deadly blaze

In response to the recent Gulzar House fire tragedy, authorities in Hyderabad are intensifying efforts to strengthen fire safety protocols and emergency preparedness across the city.

A high-level coordination meeting was convened involving Director-General of Fire Services Y Nagi Reddy, GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, Hyderabad District Collector Anudeep Durishetty, and senior officials from departments including Town Planning, Electricity, Fire Services, and HYDRAA.

The focus of the meeting was to enhance inter-departmental coordination and ensure stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations, particularly in aging buildings and densely populated commercial areas.

Director-General Nagi Reddy called for immediate, proactive action from all departments, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures and public awareness. “Recent incidents underline the critical need for preventive action. We will not tolerate negligence when it comes to public safety,” he said.

GHMC Commissioner Karnan instructed Town Planning officials to make fire safety compliance a mandatory condition for new building approvals. He also announced that strict fire safety audits will be conducted in existing commercial buildings. “Our goal is to prevent disasters before they happen,” he added.

Highlighting the frequent role of electrical short circuits in fire incidents, the DISCOM Chief Engineer was directed to organize training sessions for electricians and shopkeepers to promote safer electrical practices.

District Collector Anudeep Durishetty stressed the importance of rapid coordination during emergencies. He recommended that the Revenue Department be immediately alerted in case of fires to facilitate a swift medical response. He also announced that all buildings below 15 meters in height must be fitted with smoke detectors and alarm systems.

Officials concluded the meeting with a joint commitment to improve urban fire resilience through regular safety audits, public education, and policy enforcement. The measures aim to prevent further tragedies and create a safer living environment for Hyderabad’s residents.