HYDRAA Gives Shops One-month To Meet Fire Safety Norms
Awareness programmes will be organised in major business areas
Hyderabad: HYDRAA has given shops and business complexes a one-month grace period to comply with fire safety rules, warning that strict action including closures and seizures will follow if violations persist. Agency commissioner A.V. Ranganath held a meeting on Saturday with shop owners, trade associations and officials from GHMC, Fire Services and the Electricity Department, stressing the importance of fire safety compliance.
Recent joint inspections by HYDRAA, GHMC, fire and police departments led to the seizure of nine shops across the city for serious violations. Following requests from traders for more time, the commissioner allowed the shops to reopen after owners submitted affidavits promising compliance. Officials cautioned that no leniency would be shown in future.
During the grace period, awareness programmes will be organised in major business areas including Old City, Begum Bazaar, Troop Bazaar and Madina Centre. Pamphlets outlining fire safety rules will be distributed, and meetings held at commercial hubs to educate traders.
Shop owners were advised against using cellars as godowns or storing large quantities of flammable materials such as clothes, plastics, mattresses, chemicals and oils. Businesses were ordered to install automatic sprinklers, smoke detectors and well-maintained fire extinguishers.
Officials also stressed the need for quality electrical wiring and warned against overloading connections. HYDRAA said these measures are essential to prevent accidents and ensure safer business areas across Hyderabad.
Major fire at RTC Bus Bhavan averted
Timely intervention by the fire services helped avert a major mishap after a fire broke out in the cellar of TGRTC Bus Bhavan at 5 pm on Saturday. Four fire tenders from nearby stations were rushed to the spot, and the blaze was brought under control by 5.40 pm, said Thagaram Venkanna, Hyderabad divisional fire officer.
“Our firefighters acted promptly and prevented the fire from spreading to other floors of the building,” Venkanna said.
Officials said only smoke remained in the cellar after the flames were doused, following which exhausters were pressed into service to clear the area. As a precaution, all employees were safely evacuated. No injuries or loss of life were reported.
Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. A short circuit at a switchboard is suspected to have triggered the minor blaze. “We tripped off the power supply and used exhausters. No property except a few wires was damaged,” Venkanna added.
