Attapur residents raise concerns over air pollution & dust due to uncovered sand trucks

Hyderabad: Residents of Attapur are expressing their concerns about severe air pollution and dust caused by trucks transporting uncovered sand. The loose sand is being blown into the air, making it challenging for commuters to drive and causing discomfort for pedestrians, as dust and particles often get into their eyes.
A local resident, known as TG Citizen, recently brought attention to a serious issue on X (formerly Twitter). The post said, “Severe air pollution and dust problems are affecting #Hyderabad, especially in #Attapur. Trucks transporting sand are blatantly ignoring basic safety measures by failing to properly cover their loads. While @Comm_HYDRAA appears to be focused on other matters, urgent action is needed from @PrlsecyMAUD.”
Severe air pollution & dust issues plague #Hyderabad, particularly in #Attapur
Trucks transporting sand blatantly disregard basic safety measures by failing to properly cover their loads.
While @Comm_HYDRAA seem preoccupied wit other matters, urgent action is needed @PrlsecyMAUD pic.twitter.com/iLonkAjxRp— TGCitizen (@Citizen_TS) January 12, 2025
Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, TG Citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that trucks used to follow safety measures when Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) was previously under the Disaster Response Force (DRF). However, with the agency’s shift to HYDRAA, there has been a decline in adherence to these basic rules. “Most of these trucks now take advantage of the situation and transport sand without covering their loads, causing huge inconvenience for commuters,” the source added.
Another resident, Nagarjuna Dharmavarapu (@nagarjuna_56), suggested a community-driven approach to address the issue. “Citizens should take pictures of every uncovered truck and post them on social media, clearly showing the truck number, location, date, and time of spotting. This may help the police track and take action,” he said.
In response to various public grievances, HYDRAA has introduced a “Complaints Day” every Monday, starting January 2025. The agency plans to address issues such as encroachments on ponds, lakes, and parks. These sessions will be held at Buddha Bhavan, where senior officials will meet with citizens to resolve complaints. The program is similar to the GHMC’s Prajavani grievance redressal initiative, with HYDRAA prioritizing water body encroachments and aiming to resolve complaints within 10 days.
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath and other officials will be available to listen to public concerns from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm every Monday.