HYDRA Gives Hyderabad Hostels Three Month Safety Deadline

Hostel owners in Hyderabad now have a clear deadline to address safety concerns. HYDRA has told operators running facilities from unsafe or unauthorised buildings to make arrangements to shift to safer premises within three months.

The warning came during a meeting chaired by HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath with hostel operators and building owners. The discussion focused on the conditions in which large numbers of students and working professionals are living across the city.

Ranganath said there would be no compromise when it comes to the safety of hostel residents. He directed operators to ensure that their buildings have proper fire safety arrangements, clearly accessible emergency exits and sufficient structural strength.

HYDRA plans to start checking hostel buildings from January 1. Buildings found to be unsafe or operating in violation of regulations could face legal action, including demolition where authorities determine that the structures are dangerous.

Recent building accidents have brought the issue into sharper focus. The collapse of an under construction building in Anjaiah Nagar, Gachibowli, which claimed two lives, was among the incidents mentioned in the context of the new safety measures. A hostel building collapse in Delhi that resulted in deaths has also added to concerns about the condition of buildings used to accommodate students and workers.

The agency will work with three municipal corporations while carrying out field inspections. Officials will examine whether hostel buildings have the required permissions and whether they meet basic safety standards.

Ranganath also had a message for hostel operators who may be putting commercial interests ahead of resident safety. He asked them to look after students and employees staying in their facilities as they would care for members of their own families.

Fire safety was discussed in detail at the meeting. Additional Director Varla Papaiah explained precautions that hostel operators should follow and used videos to demonstrate fire prevention measures and the importance of maintaining safe evacuation arrangements.

The three month window gives hostel operators time to identify problems and take corrective steps before inspections begin. Those operating from buildings that cannot meet safety requirements may have to find alternative premises.

The move is expected to bring greater attention to hostel buildings across Hyderabad, particularly facilities operating from converted residential or commercial structures where safety arrangements may not have kept pace with the number of occupants.