Hyderabad Furniture Store Fire: Illegal Cellar Conversion Led to Fatal Tragedy
In a devastating incident that has shocked Hyderabad, officials have confirmed that the owner of Batcha Furniture Castle illegally converted the building's cellar into storage and living quarters, directly contributing to a fire that claimed five lives on Saturday. The tragic event has exposed serious violations of municipal regulations and fire safety protocols.
Clear Violation of GHMC Occupancy Certificate
Khairatabad zonal commissioner Priyanka Ala revealed to TOI that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had specifically designated the cellar in the G+4 building for parking purposes only in the occupancy certificate. "The occupancy certificate granted by GHMC clearly stated that the cellar was meant to be used strictly for parking purposes," Ala emphasized. "However, the owner later converted the cellar into a storehouse and also built living quarters for his staff."
Extreme Firefighting Challenges in Underground Areas
Commissioner Ala explained why such conversions are particularly dangerous, noting that firefighting operations become extremely difficult in underground areas. "It is not possible to conduct effective firefighting in basements due to poor visibility caused by heat radiation and smoke," she stated. "That is why cellars are allowed only for parking and not for any other use." Saturday's casualties tragically demonstrated these inherent dangers.
GHMC Investigation and Potential Consequences
The municipal corporation has launched a thorough investigation into the building's occupancy certificate to identify any additional alterations. Once the report is received and violations are confirmed, GHMC will take decisive action, which may include:
- Substantial financial penalties
- Double taxation on the property
- Cancellation of building permissions
- Sealing of the premises
- Potential demolition of the structure
Combustible Materials Blocked Rescue Operations
During the rescue operation, firefighters discovered highly combustible materials including foam, wooden sofas, and chairs dumped in the cellar. These materials not only fueled the intense blaze but also blocked entry routes, significantly delaying rescue efforts and potentially contributing to the tragic loss of life.
Fire Department Officials Condemn Dangerous Practices
Fire DG Vikram Singh Mann strongly condemned the illegal use of cellar spaces, stating that cellars are meant exclusively for parking purposes. "Storing materials of any kind in these spaces is illegal," he asserted. "Allowing people to reside in cellars is extremely dangerous and puts their lives at serious risk."
Mann expressed frustration that "despite regular inspections conducted by the authorities, violations continue to take place." He emphasized that such misuse of cellar areas violates both building and fire safety norms while severely hampering rescue and firefighting operations during emergencies.
The Hyderabad tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to building regulations and fire safety standards, particularly in commercial establishments where human lives are at stake.
