170 fires in Old City since Jan 2024: Illegal conversions of homes-to-shops, narrow lanes to blame

Hyderabad: The deadly fire at Gulzar House that claimed 17 lives has cast a spotlight on a growing crisis in Hyderabad’s Old City—an alarming rise in fire incidents that officials say is tied to unsafe building practices and unchecked urban congestion.

Over 500 fire-related accidents have been reported in the area over the past year, making it the most fire-prone region in Greater Hyderabad.

According to the Gowliguda Fire Station, which oversees the Old City, 170 fire incidents have been recorded since January 2024 alone. Of the 2,500 fire cases reported across Hyderabad during this period, nearly 25 per cent occurred in this densely populated zone. So far this year, at least seven people have lost their lives and several others have been injured.

A recent case involved a fire at a G+3 residential structure in Begum Bazaar, where eight people were trapped inside. Thankfully, all occupants survived with only minor injuries.

Congestion hampers emergency response

Fire department officials warn that the area’s tightly packed buildings, narrow lanes and illegal construction practices are severely hampering rescue operations.

“The Old City has seen a steady rise in fire mishaps over the last two to three years,” said Y Nagireddy, director general of Fire Services. “The main problem is the conversion of residential spaces into commercial establishments without adhering to safety norms.”

Unsafe conversions, overloaded wiring

Experts say many of the fire hazards stem from illegal modifications of residential buildings. Municipal codes are often violated where basements are turned into retail spaces or additional floors are built without safety measures such as emergency exits, fire-resistant materials or proper electrical systems.

“Increasing use of high-load electrical appliances like air conditioners and water heaters, without upgrading old wiring, is leading to frequent short circuits,” said a senior official from TGSPDCL (Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited), on condition of anonymity. He noted that in many structures, inadequate staircases and a lack of emergency exits make evacuation during fires extremely difficult.

Ventilation gaps amplify the threat

According to a senior fire official, ventilation is another major concern.

Many structures in the Old City are poorly ventilated, allowing smoke to accumulate and hindering both fire suppression and rescue efforts. “In areas like Feelkhana Road and Begum Bazaar, some buildings are over 60 years old and not designed for modern fire safety requirements,” the official said.

Authorities urge action

GHMC Town Planner for the Charminar Zone, MA Majeed, confirmed that commercial misuse of residential spaces remains rampant. “Even when illegal retail units are sealed, owners often reopen them within weeks,” he said.

In light of these findings, officials are calling for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms, immediate infrastructure upgrades and a citywide audit of old buildings. As the Old City continues to expand and evolve, authorities warn that without swift intervention, more tragedies could be inevitable.