HYDRA Cracks Down on Fire Safety Lapses, Cuts Power to Non-Compliant Showrooms

In response to recent fatal fire incidents and growing concerns over public safety, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has intensified citywide inspections to enforce fire safety regulations across commercial establishments. As part of this crackdown, officials sealed major showrooms in Jubilee Hills and Nampally after detecting serious violations of fire safety norms, including the absence of mandatory clearances, unsafe storage practices, and blocked emergency exits.

During inspections at Neeru’s showroom , HYDRAA officials found multiple lapses that posed significant fire hazards. The building, comprising three cellars and four floors, had an unauthorized rooftop shed and large quantities of garments stored across several levels. While retail sales were conducted on two floors, other floors were being used for manufacturing and storage. Officials noted that the showroom was operating without a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) and lacked adequate firefighting equipment. Taking a serious view of the violations, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath ordered the immediate sealing of the premises. The showroom was declared fire-unsafe, warning notices were installed, fencing was erected, and electricity supply was disconnected.

In a separate operation in Nampally’s Station Road area, HYDRAA sealed a multi-storey furniture showroom following the discovery of grave safety lapses. The action assumes significance as it comes soon after a deadly fire incident on the same road, in which five people lost their lives . Despite the tragedy, officials found heavy furniture stock stored across all floors, including the cellar, with materials blocking staircases and emergency exits. The building was operating without a fire clearance and lacked basic safety infrastructure, prompting authorities to seal the premises and suspend all business activities.

Officials said the intensified inspections aim to curb dangerous practices such as illegal use of cellars, conversion of shops into warehouses, accumulation of combustible materials, and neglect of safety infrastructure. HYDRAA also urged citizens to report violations through its control room or official social media handle, stressing that strict enforcement will continue to ensure public safety