Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has granted a one-month grace period to shops and commercial establishments to comply with fire safety norms, while warning that strict enforcement will follow once the deadline ends.Addressing shop owners and representatives of traders’ associations at a review meeting, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath said the temporary pause in sealing establishments was in response to requests from traders seeking time to implement safety measures. “This is a one-time opportunity. After one month, inspections will be intensified, and there will be no leniency,” he said.
Ranganath said HYDRAA, along with GHMC, fire services, police and electricity department officials, recently conducted joint inspections following a series of fire incidents, including the deadly blaze at a furniture showroom in Nampally that claimed five lives. As part of the drive, nine shops were sealed for serious violations.He said the sealed establishments will be allowed to resume operations only after owners submit affidavits assuring full compliance with fire safety regulations. “We will also launch awareness programmes in key commercial areas such as the Old City, Begum Bazaar, Troop Bazaar and Madina Centre. Pamphlets detailing fire safety guidelines will be distributed, and meetings will be held with traders to educate them on preventive measures and emergency evacuation protocols,” he said.Stressing the dangers of using basements as storage spaces, Ranganath said cellars should not be converted into godowns under any circumstances. “In case of fires on upper floors, people can still escape downwards. But fires in cellars leave little room for escape and often turn fatal,” he said, referring to the Nampally incident, where locked grills and heavy storage in the cellar led to the deaths.He also directed shop owners to install and properly maintain fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and automatic sprinkler systems, ensure safe electrical wiring, and avoid overloading the power supply. “Clear access routes for fire tenders must be maintained at all times, especially in congested commercial zones,” he added.
