Hyderabad: Why storing oxygen cylinders in basements in Jubilee Hills is recipe for disaster

Hyderabad: Serious fire safety concerns have surfaced in prime residential neighbourhoods of the city, with residents alleging that unauthorised commercial activities and unsafe storage practices are putting lives at risk.

At the weekly Prajavani grievance redressal programme organised by the HYDRAA, citizens complained that hazardous materials, including oxygen cylinders, were stored in basements.

Apart from that, they also complained that mixed-use buildings operating hostels above hotels and fast-food centres could trigger major disasters if safety norms are not strictly enforced.

A total of 59 petitions were received on Monday. Commissioner A.V. Ranganath reviewed the representations and assigned responsibility to the relevant officials for prompt action.

Jubilee Hills: Oxygen cylinders in basements

Residents of Road No. 44, Jubilee Hills, alleged that several commercial establishments are functioning within residential premises, creating potential fire hazards.

They claimed oxygen cylinders are being stored in basements and urged authorities to conduct immediate inspections and remove hazardous materials before any untoward incident occurs.

Madhapur: Hostels above hotels raise safety concerns

In Madhapur, locals pointed out that hostels are operating on upper floors while hotels, canteens, and fast-food centres function on the ground floors of the same buildings.

They warned that in the event of a fire, evacuation would be extremely difficult and the consequences severe. Residents demanded strict enforcement of fire safety regulations and routine inspections to prevent accidents.

Flood risk concerns in Bachupally

Residents of Bachupally in Medchal–Malkajgiri district expressed apprehension over the ongoing six-lane road expansion works.

They alleged that a newly constructed stormwater drain along the main road is being connected to a sewage drain passing through Pragathi Nagar, potentially increasing flood risks. Petitioners urged authorities to address the issue at the construction stage itself to prevent future problems.

Alleged encroachments on Government and community lands

In Srinivasa Nagar under Ramachandrapuram division of Sangareddy district, residents alleged that government land earmarked for public use near a Hanuman temple is being encroached upon in the name of caste association offices.

They claimed they were attacked when they tried to resist the encroachments and sought immediate intervention.

Similarly, residents of Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Kondapur village, Serilingampally mandal, complained that parks, roads, and lands reserved for public utilities have been encroached upon.

They pointed out that 3,600 square yards allocated for a school, four acres meant for a college, 2,181 square yards for a community hall, and 4,387 square yards of parkland are under threat. They appealed to HYDRAA to protect these properties without delay.

Commissioner Ranganath also assured that field inspections would be conducted and necessary measures initiated to address both encroachment and fire safety concerns