TCC demands crackdown on illegal coaching centres and hostels in Cyberabad
HYDERABAD: One week after a deadly fire at a coaching institute in Lucknow killed several students, The Citizens Council(TCC), a citizens’ group in Cyberabad, is warning of similar dangers in local residential neighborhoods.
In a letter to top officials, Shaik Aarif Mohammed, General Secretary of The Citizens Council(TCC), called for immediate inspections. Subsequently, he wants authorities to target fire safety violations and unauthorized commercial businesses operating in residential buildings.
The Lucknow fire showed the fatal risks of missing emergency exits, lack of fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and illegal land-use changes. It serves as a warning for other cities.
Further Mohammed said, “Similar conditions are found in many parts of Cyberabad. Many coaching centers, educational institutes, colleges, training academies, hostels, and businesses operate from residential buildings and unauthorized structures.”
The Citizens Council says several violations are common in Cyberabad, which includes many IT corridors and residential areas. Furthermore, their main concerns are residential buildings used as commercial coaching centers and hostels without approval, lack of fire safety NOCs, Occupancy Certificates, and structural safety audits, missing setbacks for fire trucks, missing emergency exits, and congested areas that would make evacuations difficult.
“Parents trust schools to keep their children safe. The administration has a legal and moral duty to protect students from avoidable risks,” the letter said.
The letter urges a multi-department crackdown, including Municipal, Town Planning, Fire Services, Police, and Revenue officials. Additionally, The Citizens Council wants a joint inspection drive, verification of building plans, fire NOCs, and occupancy permits for all schools and businesses. They also want immediate action against unauthorized setups, including sealing premises that break the rules. The group calls for public release of inspection results and strict enforcement of building and fire safety codes.
The Council said the recent tragedy in Uttar Pradesh should be a wake-up call. Moreover, without proactive action, they warn, Cyberabad could face a similar disaster. “Prevention is always better than compensation or an inquiry after a tragedy,” Mohammed said. He urged authorities to act now.
