High Alert in Hyderabad: Fire Norms Breach Leads to Six Shop Seizures

Following a series of fire incidents in the city, the Hyderabad Fire and Rescue Department ( HyDRA ) continued its fire safety inspections for the second consecutive day. On Friday, officials from GHMC, HyDRA, the fire services, and the electricity department conducted extensive joint checks across multiple areas, taking strict action against businesses violating fire safety norms .

Authorities were particularly concerned about shops converting their cellars into storage spaces for hazardous materials . Large quantities of chemicals , paint cans , and raw materials used in furniture manufacturing were found stored unsafely. Many buildings were operating without proper permits or fire clearances .

Inspections revealed significant safety lapses , including the absence of automatic water sprinklers , smoke detectors , and improperly installed fire extinguishers , which could hinder firefighting during emergencies. Consequently, six furniture shops across the city were seized.

In Gachibowli, the building housing ‘ Looking Good Furniture ’ was seized after authorities discovered large stockpiles of paint cans, batteries , and other materials in the cellar , all without the required permits . Similar violations were observed at ‘ Anu Furniture ’ showroom near Kompally Cross Roads.

Other affected establishments included ‘ Royal Oak ’ furniture shops on PV Narasimha Rao Expressway in Kukatpally and Attapur, ‘ Bantia Furniture ’ in Uppal Nagol, and ‘ Anu Furniture ’ in Nacharam. Barricades were erected around these locations, accompanied by warning signs labeling them as fire hazard zones .

HyDRA officials emphasized that shop buildings should not be converted into warehouses . Warehouses should be located separately, and shops must be limited to display and sales purposes only.