Hyderabad: A recent crackdown by the Telangana State Food Safety Task Force revealed serious health and safety violations in several private hostels across the city. Officials inspected 58 hostels in busy areas like Ashok Nagar, Dilsukhnagar, and Ameerpet on Friday.
During these inspections, teams discovered that many hostels were not following basic hygiene and safety rules. As a result, they issued notices to 30 hostels and shut down five hostel kitchens for operating under unsafe conditions. Authorities also imposed fines totaling ₹2.45 lakh on violators.
Inspectors found multiple problems. Hostel kitchens were dirty and poorly maintained. Some were using parking areas and cellars as cooking spaces, which is against the law. Walls and ceilings were stained, exhaust systems were greasy, and dustbins were left uncovered, attracting flies. Water and food waste were left to collect on floors, creating unsanitary conditions.
In many hostels, food handlers ignored personal hygiene. They weren’t using hairnets, gloves, or other basic protective gear. Cooking and dishwashing areas were too close together, increasing the risk of contamination. Shockingly, in some places, toilets opened directly into the kitchens.
Beyond kitchen issues, the hostels also violated town planning, sanitation, and fire safety rules. Students were crammed into small rooms without enough toilets or space. Some hostel owners even used the buildings to display huge, unauthorized advertisements. Waste dumping on public roads was another major issue.
These problems persist despite earlier awareness drives by authorities. Many hostel owners continue to ignore the rules, putting hundreds of students at risk.
To combat this, a Special Task Force Squad has been formed. This team, working with GHMC officials, will continue to conduct surprise checks in areas like Ameerpet, Khairatabad Zone, Ashok Nagar, Dilsukhnagar, and LB Nagar. Their goal is to shut down illegal operations and ensure all hostels follow FSSAI and trade license norms.
Authorities urge hostel owners to fix these issues immediately or face stricter action. Students and parents are also encouraged to report unsafe living conditions to help improve standards across the city.
