Hyderabad Fire incident presents another stark example
India is facing a mounting fire safety crisis, as rapid urbanisation, ageing infrastructure, and intensifying climate extremes converge to expose dangerous gaps in public safety. Recent incidents across major cities have highlighted the scale of the problem, from fatal factory explosions to repeated fires in schools, hospitals, and commercial complexes.
In Delhi, the capital has witnessed a surge in fire-related incidents in educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Between January 2023 and May 2025, there were 130 fires in schools and 78 in hospitals and nursing homes, according to Delhi Fire Services. Back-to-back blazes at coaching centres in Old Rajendra Nagar and Preet Vihar in May 2025 underscored the vulnerabilities in evacuation procedures and the lack of adequate fire safety measures in high-occupancy buildings.
Hyderabad presents another stark example. Many decades-old buildings, including shopping complexes and hotels, have been declared structurally unsafe after suffering repeated fire accidents. Despite warnings from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and structural experts, several such buildings continue to be occupied and operational, risking another potential tragedy.
Telangana’s fire safety regulations further complicate the issue. In the last seven years, less than 2% of buildings in the state have obtained a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), with only 7,000 of 4.5 lakh structures in compliance. This is largely due to the Telangana Fire Services Act of 1999, which mandates fire NOCs only for buildings over 15 metres in height, leaving the vast majority of structures, including many commercial and industrial ones, outside the purview of mandatory safety regulations.
The situation is exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. India experienced extreme weather events on 314 out of the 365 days in 2024, leading to increased internal displacement and placing additional stress on urban infrastructure. Approximately 80% of India’s population resides in areas highly susceptible to natural disasters, including extreme heat waves and severe flooding, which can increase the risk of fires and hinder emergency response efforts.
Experts warn that without urgent reforms, the combination of urban growth, outdated safety laws, and climate pressures will continue to fuel India’s fire crisis. Comprehensive updates to fire safety regulations, stricter enforcement, and investment in resilient infrastructure are essential to safeguard lives and property in the face of these escalating challenges.
