A survey found that 62% of women’s hostels in Hyderabad have poor security standards

Nearly two-thirds of women’s hostels surveyed in Hyderabad scored poorly on safety parameters, many of which lacked basic fire precautions, working camera systems and emergency evacuation plans, prompting the Hyderabad police and the GHMC to order hostel operators to strengthen safety standards over the next two months.

The findings were released on Friday with the launch of a comprehensive survey report and safety guidelines booklet ‘Suraksha Nivas 1.0’ under Project Stay Safe, a joint initiative of Hyderabad City Police, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad City Safety Council (HCSC) and United Way of Hyderabad.

Inaugurating the event, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar said that every female hostel and paying guest accommodation in the city must register at the local police station by submitting the prescribed Form A under the new registration and regulatory framework. He warned that there would be no compromise on the safety of women residents and that negligence could invite legal action under the Hyderabad City Police Act.

He also directed hostel operators to ensure round-the-clock security at all entry and exit points, install functional CCTV cameras, conduct awareness programs on security, cybercrime and traffic rules and strictly implement the concept of ‘Safe Bathrooms’ to minimize structural security risks. He said Station House officers would regularly monitor the security of the hostels while a special mobile app was also being developed for safer hostels.

GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan said all commercial hostels have to get a municipal trade license while those providing food also have to get FSSAI licence. He stressed the need for background checks on staff, keeping attendance records and round-the-clock monitoring of CCTV cameras.

Presenting the findings of the Women Safety Wing audit, DCP Lavanya Nayak said 35 volunteers working in 10 teams inspected 447 women’s hostels over nine weekends. The survey found that although 97.5% of the hostels had CCTV cameras, about 30% of them were non-functional. Only 43% of the hostels had composite walls, 38.9% had fire protection equipment and none had a fire exit plan. It was also found that only 44% listed their GHMC license at the top, while 62% of hostels scored less than 40 in the safety rating, indicating the need for urgent improvements.

The survey assessed hostels in terms of fire safety, security, infrastructure, hygiene, documentation, legal compliance and employee verification.

District Fire Officer T. Venkanna stressed the need for mandatory emergency staircases, fire extinguishers on every floor, hose reel systems and illuminated exit signs, while Assistant Food Controller P. Murthy warned that hostels violating food safety norms would face prosecution under food safety laws.

Officials announced that ‘Suraksha Nivas 2.0’ will be launched with stricter compliance norms and directed hostel and PG operators to fix security and structural deficiencies within two months and obtain permission from local police authorities.

Published – 17 Jul 2026 22:16 IST