“We found that the showroom was operating without an NOC from the fire department and lacked basic fire safety equipment, including adequate fire extinguishers,” said AV Ranganath, HYDRAA commissioner. Alarmed by the excessive stocking of material and the absence of safety measures, he ordered the premises to be sealed. The building was declared “fire-unsafe”, HYDRAA fencing was erected and the power supply was disconnected.Officials from HYDRAA, the fire department, GHMC and the electricity department participated in the inspection.In a separate action, a furniture showroom on Nampally Station Road, the same stretch where the fatal fire occurred, was also sealed. “Despite the recent tragedy at Batcha Furniture Castle in the same area, shop owners continue to ignore basic safety norms. At Rahim Mannan Estates’ Standard Furniture store, we found the six-storey building, including the cellar, heavily stocked with furniture on all floors,” Ranganath said.Stock was stored in a manner that blocked stairway access, posing a severe risk during emergencies. The commissioner noted the complete absence of a fire NOC and fire extinguishers across all six floors. “Following the inspection, the building was sealed, power supply disconnected and all commercial activity halted,” he added.Appealing to citizens to assist in enforcement, the commissioner urged residents to report fire safety violations. Complaints regarding shops converted into warehouses, storage of inflammable material in cellars or other hazardous practices can be reported to the HYDRAA control room at 9000113667 or 7207923085.“Citizens can also send complaints via WhatsApp along with photos and videos, clearly mentioning the location and details of the establishment, or raise concerns on X through the handle Commissioner_HYDRAA,” he said.
