Garbage and plastic waste accumulating near electricity transformers in Hyderabad has raised fire safety concerns, with two recent incidents in the Bholakpur division damaging electrical wires and exposing sanitation workers and vehicle operators to risk.
A visit to West Marredpally, Zamistanpur and Noorkhan Bazaar found waste piled close to transformers at several locations. In West Marredpally, a transformer stood beside a dumping point without a warning signboard, while sanitation workers in Zamistanpur were clearing waste accumulated near another transformer.
Sanitation workers said unauthorised dumping continued almost daily despite repeated warnings. Residents said door-to-door collection had not stopped people from using transformer-side locations as convenient dumping points. Pendli Thirupathi of Zamistanpur said strict penalties and surveillance cameras were needed at locations vulnerable to repeated dumping.
The concerns follow two fires in the Bholakpur division. On April 15, a garbage heap beside the BSNL telephone exchange office caught fire, damaging transformer wires and causing losses of about ₹1 lakh, according to electricity officials. Another fire broke out behind the Setwin building in Indiranagar on October 12, damaging wires and causing losses exceeding ₹1 lakh.
The incidents point to a safety problem that extends beyond waste removal. Combustible plastic and mixed garbage placed beside electrical equipment can obstruct access for maintenance and clearance operations, while workers and waste-collection vehicles may be exposed when heaps have to be removed from confined spaces. The report also found that some vulnerable locations lacked warning boards.
An electricity department official said preventing garbage accumulation around transformers was the responsibility of civic authorities. A municipal sanitation official acknowledged that such sites remained vulnerable despite daily clearance and urged residents to hand over household waste to Swachh Auto operators.
Residents and sanitation workers called for regular inspections, warning signboards and stricter action against repeat offenders. They also said that clearing waste after it accumulates would not be sufficient unless civic authorities and the electricity department coordinate to prevent fresh dumping and reduce the risk of further fires.
