Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) commissioner has emphasized stricter enforcement of norms across commercial establishments and residential areas in the city in the wake of the recent fire that killed five people in Nampally.
Mr. Ranganath held a review meeting with officials from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Fire Services and Electricity Department on Wednesday during which he outlined a comprehensive fire safety action plan. He directed officials to strengthen checks at commercial complexes, furniture showrooms, textile shops and other business establishments across the city.
He said establishments found violating fire safety norms would be immediately sealed and disconnected from power supply. Officials have been instructed to post notices in such premises declaring them unsafe. Citywide inspections will begin soon to ensure compliance.
The HYDRAA commissioner also urged citizens to report fire-prone conditions to the HYDRAA control center at 9000113667. He asked people to share the exact location along with photos or videos and ensure that the identity of informers is kept confidential. He recalled that the city recorded over 36 fires last year and said that reducing the number of fires must be a common goal.
Referring to the fire accident in Nampally, where excessive storage in the basement and unauthorized habitation led to loss of life, he warned establishments against storing goods in stairwells, corridors and basements and against using basements for purposes other than parking. Storage of flammable materials, accommodation of workers or families of security guards in commercial premises and blocking of emergency exits are strictly prohibited.
The agency also stressed the need to keep fire extinguishers operational at all times, train personnel in their use, maintain clear evacuation routes and ensure automatic sprinkler systems work to control fires without manual intervention.
Published – 28 Jan 2026 20:49 IST
