Hyderabad, July 26 -- A major fire on July 10, 2024, at the Sri Dattasai Complex near RTC crossroads forced the evacuation of patients from the neighbouringTapadia Diagnostic Centre in Hyderabad, raising alarm over chemical hazards in residential areas. Although no casualties were reported, residents say no lessons have been learned.

Above the Tapadia Diagnostic Centre lies an ice cream flavour and fragrance unit, allegedly using flammable and industrial-use chemicals that are not to be used in the food production industry. The unit, Raj Flavours and Fragrances, is now under the scanner following months of continuous complaints from residents living hardly 10 metres away.

A solitary battle against chemical fumes

P Sharath Kumar, 25, wh...