Telangana: Garbage Near Transformers Sparks Fire Safety Fears
Indiscriminate dumping endangered electrical infrastructure as well as sanitation workers and vehicle operators engaged in clearing waste: Reports
HYDERABAD: Garbage and plastic waste dumped near electricity transformers at several locations across the city are raising fire safety concerns, with two recent incidents in the Bholakpur division highlighting the risks posed by combustible waste.
A visit to West Marredpally, Zamistanpur and Noorkhan Bazaar revealed garbage accumulating close to transformers. In West Marredpally, a transformer stood beside a dumping spot without a warning signboard. In Zamistanpur, sanitation workers were clearing waste piled up near a transformer.
Sanitation workers said that despite repeated warnings, unauthorised dumping continued almost daily. Residents noted that door‑to‑door waste collection had not stopped people from using these spots as convenient dumping points.
“Why should people throw garbage near transformers when Swachh Auto vehicles collect waste from households? Strict penalties should be imposed, and officials must keep a close watch,” said Pendli Thirupathi of Zamistanpur, suggesting surveillance cameras at garbage‑vulnerable points.
Darsihini of West Marredpally said indiscriminate dumping endangered electrical infrastructure as well as sanitation workers and vehicle operators engaged in clearing waste.
The concerns follow two fire incidents in Bholakpur division. On April 15, a garbage heap beside the BSNL telephone exchange office caught fire, damaging transformer wires and causing losses of about `1 lakh. On October 12, another fire broke out behind the Setwin building in Indiranagar, again damaging wires and causing losses exceeding ₹1 lakh, according to electricity officials.
An electricity department official said preventing garbage accumulation around transformers was the responsibility of civic authorities. A municipal sanitation official acknowledged that such sites remained vulnerable despite daily clearance, urging residents to hand over household waste to Swachh Auto operators.
Residents called for inspections, warning sign boards and stricter enforcement against repeat offenders, stressing that clearing garbage after accumulation would not suffice unless civic authorities and the electricity department worked together to prevent fresh dumping and reduce fire risks.
