Hyderabad fire safety drive: HYDRAA orders crackdown, violators to face sealing, power cut
The Commissioner directed officials to intensify inspections in commercial complexes, furniture showrooms, textile shops and other high-risk establishments.
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Hyderabad: Emphasising that negligence in fire safety will not be tolerated, HYDRAA has decided to carry out rigorous inspections in both commercial and residential areas and take stringent action against violators.
The initiative comes in the wake of recent fire accidents in the city. HYDRAA said it has intensified its focus on strict enforcement of fire safety norms across Hyderabad.
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath on Wednesday held a coordination meeting with officials from GHMC, the Fire Services Department and the Electricity Department, outlining a comprehensive fire safety action plan for the city.
Shops violating safety rules will be immediately shut
The Commissioner directed officials to intensify inspections in commercial complexes, furniture showrooms, textile shops and other high-risk establishments.
Shops and buildings found violating fire safety norms will be sealed immediately, power supply disconnected and notices prominently displayed declaring them as ‘Fire Safety Non-Compliant Establishments’.
Inspections will be conducted across all areas of the city without exception, he said.
Public asked to report fire hazards
Citizens have been urged to report any situation that poses a fire risk by calling the HYDRAA Control Room at 9000113667.
People are encouraged to share the exact location along with photos or videos of potential fire hazards. The Commissioner assured that the identity of the complainants will be kept strictly confidential.
Stressing collective responsibility, he said the shared goal of all citizens should be to prevent fire accidents in the city. He noted that more than 36 fire incidents were reported in Hyderabad last year, averaging three incidents per month.
Fire safety lapses: Lessons from recent incidents
Referring to a recent fire accident at a furniture showroom in Nampally, the Commissioner highlighted serious violations such as excessive storage of furniture in cellar areas and the illegal use of cellars for residential purposes by watchmen.
While some people managed to escape during the incident, those trapped in the cellar lost their lives, including three people who attempted rescue.
Mandatory fire safety guidelines
HYDRAA has reiterated the following safety measures:
1. Furniture, textiles and other goods must not be stored in staircases, corridors or cellars.
2. Storage should be shifted to designated godowns located away from public movement areas.
3. Cellars must be used only for vehicle parking; storage of flammable or explosive materials is strictly prohibited.
4. Residential use of commercial premises and allotment of rooms for workers' or watchmen’s families in cellars is not permitted.
5. Staircases from cellar to terrace must never be blocked or locked.
6. Fire safety equipment must always be kept functional, and staff should be properly trained in their use.
7. Clear exit routes must be ensured for quick evacuation during emergencies.
8. Automatic sprinkler systems should be installed and maintained to control fires without manual intervention.
HYDRAA officials said continuous monitoring and strict enforcement would be carried out to ensure compliance and minimise fire-related incidents across Hyderabad.
