Hyderabad basement shops turn fire traps, officials warn but delay action
HYDERABAD: Basements meant for parking across Hyderabad have been illegally converted into shops and large godowns, creating deadly fire hazards and putting dozens of lives at risk in the event of an accident. Even a minor fire leaves little chance of escape, residents and traders said.
Parking basements turned commercial spaces
In many commercial hubs, basement parking areas have been rented out for business use, with no regard for fire safety norms. Narrow roads, lack of mandatory setbacks and blocked access points make rescue operations nearly impossible, even when fire personnel reach the spot quickly.
Localities such as Nampally, Abids, Koti, Begum Bazaar, Sultan Bazaar, Osmangunj, Troop Bazaar, Secunderabad General Bazaar, Laad Bazaar and Shahar Market are among the worst affected, according to residents.
Building owners, driven by rental income, are leasing out every available inch of space. Highly inflammable materials such as clothes, plastic goods and electrical items are stacked in large quantities, including on staircases, leaving no clear escape routes.
Illegal godowns, no fire exits
Municipal officials have failed to conduct regular inspections, allowing basement businesses to operate openly. In several cases, buildings approved for residential use are being used for commercial activities. Illegal godowns have been set up in basements, with multiple CCTV cameras installed for security, but no basic fire safety measures.
Fire exits are either missing or blocked. In many buildings, a single staircase serves as the only access to upper floors, and even this is often used for storage, worsening the risk during emergencies.
Warnings without follow-up
Earlier, fire safety enforcement was handled by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. After the formation of HYDRAA, its mandate was expanded to include monitoring fire safety compliance along with action against encroachments on lakes, drains and footpaths.
However, traders allege that the agency has limited itself to granting online fire safety approvals, with little or no field inspections. “There is no on-ground action,” they said.
Officials routinely issue warnings after major incidents in the Old City or Nampally, promising strict action against illegal godowns and basement businesses. But after a few token raids and notices, enforcement fades, residents said, allowing unsafe practices to continue unchecked.
