Garbage and plastic waste accumulating around electricity transformers in Hyderabad has raised fresh fire-safety concerns after two incidents in the Bholakpur division damaged electrical wires and caused losses of more than ₹2 lakh, according to electricity officials cited in a report by Deccan Chronicle.
A ground visit to West Marredpally, Zamistanpur and Noorkhan Bazaar found waste piled close to transformers, including one in West Marredpally that stood beside a dumping spot without a warning signboard. In Zamistanpur, sanitation workers were seen clearing waste accumulated near a transformer.
Sanitation workers told the publication that unauthorised dumping continued almost daily despite repeated warnings. Residents said the availability of door-to-door collection had not stopped people from using vacant or vulnerable spots as informal dumping points.
The risks became evident in two fires reported in the 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. Another fire broke out behind the Setwin building in Indiranagar on October 12, with damage to wires estimated at more than ₹1 lakh, according to electricity officials.
The incidents point to a safety problem that extends beyond waste management. Combustible plastic and mixed garbage placed around electrical equipment can obstruct access for maintenance teams and expose sanitation workers and waste-collection vehicle operators to additional hazards while clearing the sites.
An electricity department official said preventing garbage accumulation around transformers was the responsibility of civic authorities. A municipal sanitation official acknowledged that such locations remained vulnerable despite daily clearance and urged residents to hand over household waste to Swachh Auto operators.
Residents said removing waste after it had accumulated was not enough to prevent repeated dumping. Pendli Thirupathi of Zamistanpur called for strict penalties and close monitoring, including surveillance cameras at locations frequently used for dumping. Darsihini of West Marredpally said indiscriminate dumping endangered electrical infrastructure as well as workers and vehicle operators involved in clearing it.
Residents also sought regular inspections, warning signboards and stronger enforcement against repeat offenders. The reported division of responsibility between civic sanitation authorities and the electricity department leaves prevention dependent on coordination: municipal teams must stop fresh dumping and clear waste, while electricity officials remain responsible for maintaining and protecting power infrastructure. The municipal authorities have urged households to use Swachh Auto collection services rather than dispose of waste near transformers.
