Hyderabad Fire Safety Crackdown Intensifies After Nampally Incident
In response to the recent fire accident at a furniture store in Nampally, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has significantly escalated its citywide fire safety inspection campaign. For the second consecutive day on Friday, authorities conducted rigorous checks, resulting in the sealing of six furniture showrooms found to be in serious violation of established safety protocols.
Widespread Non-Compliance with Fire Safety Norms
Officials reported extensive disregard for fire safety regulations across multiple establishments. A particularly alarming discovery was the illegal utilization of cellars as storage and warehouse spaces, which represents a substantial fire hazard. During thorough inspections, teams uncovered large quantities of highly inflammable materials stored inappropriately. These included chemical containers, paint cans, mattresses, batteries, and furniture manufacturing stock, all crammed into poorly ventilated areas with inadequate safety measures.
Several establishments were operating without valid building permissions and mandatory fire no objection certificates (NOCs), further compounding the safety risks. Authorities emphasized the absence of fundamental fire safety systems in numerous buildings, including automatic sprinklers, smoke detectors, and visible fire extinguishers—basic equipment crucial for preventing and managing fire emergencies.
Specific Violations at Sealed Establishments
Among the sealed premises was Looking Good Furniture located in Gachibowli, where fire-prone materials were discovered stored in the cellar. The building lacked required approvals, and cellar ramps were obstructed with stock, severely hindering emergency access and evacuation routes. Similar violations were documented at Anu Furniture in Kompally Cross Roads and at two Royal Oak outlets situated in Kukatpally and along the PV Narasimha Rao Expressway in Attapur.
HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath provided detailed insights into the operation, stating that Bantia Furniture in Uppal and another Anu Furniture outlet in Nacharam were also sealed during the inspection drive. Barricades and warning boards have been prominently placed at these locations, officially declaring the premises unsafe due to the complete absence of adequate fire safety measures.
Ongoing Inspection Campaign and Future Actions
Commissioner Ranganath confirmed that the inspection drive will continue in the coming days, with authorities committed to maintaining rigorous oversight. Strict action will be taken against all violators to prevent potential fire accidents and ensure comprehensive public safety across Hyderabad. This proactive approach aims to address systemic safety gaps and reinforce compliance with fire safety regulations throughout the city's commercial establishments.
The intensified campaign follows the Nampally fire incident that highlighted critical vulnerabilities in fire safety management. HYDRAA's systematic inspections represent a concerted effort to identify and rectify hazardous conditions before they lead to further accidents, protecting both property and human lives in Hyderabad's urban landscape.
