Survey finds 62% of women’s hostels in Hyderabad have poor safety standards

Nearly two-thirds of women’s hostels surveyed in Hyderabad scored poorly on safety parameters, with many lacking basic fire safety measures, functioning CCTV systems and emergency evacuation plans, prompting the Hyderabad police and the GHMC to direct hostel operators to strengthen safety standards within the next two months.

The findings were released on Friday with the launch of the comprehensive survey report and safety guidelines brochure of ‘Suraksha Nivas 1.0’ under Project Safe Stay, a joint initiative of the Hyderabad City Police, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) and United Way of Hyderabad.

Addressing hostel managements at the launch, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said every women’s hostel and paying guest accommodation in the city must register with the local police station by submitting the prescribed Form-A under the new registration and regulatory framework. He warned that there would be no compromise on the safety of women residents and that negligence could invite legal action under the Hyderabad City Police Act.

He also directed hostel operators to ensure round-the-clock security at all entry and exit points, install functional CCTV cameras, conduct awareness programmes on safety, cybercrime and traffic rules, and strictly implement the “Safe Bathrooms” concept to minimise structural safety risks. He said Station House Officers would regularly monitor hostel security, while a dedicated mobile application for safer hostels is also being developed.

GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan said all commercial hostels must obtain a municipal trade licence, while those providing food must also secure an FSSAI licence. He stressed the need for background verification of staff, maintenance of visitor records and continuous monitoring of CCTV cameras.

Presenting the findings of the audit, Women Safety Wing DCP Lavanya Nayak said 35 volunteers, working in 10 teams, inspected 447 women’s hostels over nine weekends. The survey found that although 97.5% of hostels had CCTV cameras, around 30% of them were non-functional. Only 43% of hostels had compound walls, 38.9% had fire safety equipment, and none had a fire exit plan. It also found that only 44% prominently displayed their GHMC licence, while 62% of hostels scored below 40 in the safety assessment, indicating the need for urgent improvements.

The survey assessed hostels on fire safety, security, infrastructure, hygiene, documentation, statutory compliance and staff verification.

District Fire Officer T. Venkanna stressed the need for mandatory emergency staircases, fire extinguishers on every floor, hose reel systems and illuminated exit signage, while Assistant Food Controller P. Murthy warned that hostels violating food safety norms would face criminal action under food safety laws.

Officials announced that ‘Suraksha Nivas 2.0’ will be launched with stricter compliance norms, and directed hostel and PG operators to rectify safety and structural deficiencies within two months and obtain clearance from local police authorities.