Hyderabad Fire Safety Crisis Exposed in Human Rights Commission Complaint
A formal complaint submitted to the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC) has brought to light alarming allegations of official inaction and widespread violations of fire safety norms across Hyderabad. The complaint specifically addresses a recent fire incident at a furniture godown in Nampally, where six individuals, including two children, were reportedly trapped.
Details of the Nampally Fire Incident
The complaint reveals that the site of the blaze was operating as an unauthorised cellar without obtaining mandatory building or fire safety permissions. According to the complainant, this incident resulted directly from negligence by civic authorities and fire department officials, compounded by the unchecked proliferation of illegal constructions throughout the area.
The TSHRC has officially registered this matter as a case highlighting inaction by state government officials, signaling serious concerns about regulatory enforcement.
Pattern of Fatal Fires Points to Systemic Failures
The complaint draws attention to a disturbing pattern of fire tragedies in Nampally, citing previous incidents that underscore systemic lapses:
- An illegal cellar fire on November 13, 2023 that claimed nine lives
- The devastating Gulzar House fire on May 17, 2025 which resulted in 17 fatalities
These repeated tragedies point to fundamental failures in enforcement mechanisms, inspection protocols, and inter-departmental coordination among regulatory bodies.
Broader Fire Safety Concerns Across Hyderabad
The complaint highlights extensive fire safety risks facing Hyderabad residents, with nearly 13 lakh residents across 2.6 lakh households identified as living in high-risk conditions. Economically weaker sections of society are particularly vulnerable to these dangers.
Several contributing factors to this crisis have been identified:
- Corruption within regulatory bodies
- Political interference in enforcement processes
- Lax regulation of both commercial and residential buildings
- Inadequate oversight of construction permits and safety certifications
Recommendations and Demands for Action
The complainant has urged the TSHRC to take immediate and decisive action, including:
- Directing the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to conduct comprehensive investigations into illegal structures in Nampally
- Cancelling licenses issued in violation of established safety norms
- Seizing buildings operating without proper fire safety permits
- Ensuring adequate compensation for victims of fire incidents
This complaint represents a significant challenge to Hyderabad's urban safety infrastructure and calls for urgent reforms to prevent future tragedies.
