Prioritise fire safety over cost-cutting: HYDRAA boss Ranganath to Hyderabad hostel operators

Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has cautioned city hostel operators against fire safety violations.

Addressing an awareness programme, the Commissioner stressed that hostels accommodating students and working professionals should prioritise safety over convenience or cost-cutting.

Random inspections reveal alarming conditions

Before the meeting, the Commissioner, along with HYDRAA officials, conducted surprise inspections at three hostels in Yellareddyguda and Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar.

He expressed serious concern over the conditions observed, overcrowded rooms with excess beds, absence of fire extinguishers, lack of smoke detectors, locked safety grills, and mess facilities operating in cellars.

“In multi-storeyed hostel buildings, a small fire accident can turn catastrophic. We must put an immediate check on such unsafe practices,” he warned.

Key fire safety guidelines issued

The Commissioner directed hostel operators to implement the following measures without delay:

Install fire extinguishers in every room

Fix smoke detectors across the premises

Ensure clear and accessible emergency exits

Provide a second staircase wherever feasible

Arrange alternative escape options, such as ladders, if structural changes are not possible.

Exercise caution in electricity usage

Train staff and residents in the use of fire extinguishers.

He noted that these are simple, low-cost precautions that can prevent large-scale disasters.

Safety of Residents is Paramount

Highlighting that thousands migrate to Hyderabad for education and employment, Ranganath said hostels should serve as stepping stones for their bright futures, not places of risk.

“You earn your livelihood by providing food and shelter. In return, ensuring the safety of residents must be your primary responsibility,” he stated.

Hostel owners assure compliance

Representatives of hostel associations assured the authorities that they would strictly follow HYDRAA’s guidelines. They affirmed their commitment to resident safety and pledged to cooperate in maintaining fire safety standards.

Officials, including HYDRA Additional Director Varla Papayya, RFO Jayaprakash, DFOs Yagna Narayana and Gautham, ADFO Mohan Rao, and several hostel operators from the twin cities, attended the awareness programme.

The Commissioner reiterated that proactive compliance today would prevent avoidable tragedies tomorrow, especially during the high-risk summer months.