Banjara Hills residents battle ‘illegal’ dumping yard
HYDERABAD: More than 1,000 people, many of whom are senior citizens, are living in the shadow of an illegal dumping yard on Road No. 13A, Banjara Hills. For years, White House Apartment residents have pleaded with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to end this crisis, which has compromised their safety and quality of life for years.
On August 14, 2025, the White House Apartment Owners Association sent a letter to the GHMC Commissioner, painting a stark picture of the havoc caused by unchecked garbage and animal dumping on government land.
Sreehiranya Mangati, a resident of White House Apartment, who has been running from pillar to post for over a year raising the dumping yard issue, told HyderabadMail, “The dumped waste has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, snakes, and harmful insects. The stench from the site is unbearable. Stray pigs and dogs are attracted to the area, making it unsafe for residents.”
She described her experience, “Although the land is separated by a road and open plot, on one occasion, when I opened my windows, not realizing a fire was set at the illegal dumping yard, smoke and smog filled our home. I suffered a severe cough and spent three days cleaning up the house.”
In the letter, the residents also voiced a grave security concern, stating they “apprehend that some anti-social elements may find it a convenient place for their illegal activities during the night, as the area is desolate and dingy.”
The problem worsens with every rainfall, as even a light shower leads to waterlogging from blocked drains and land reshaped by heaps of garbage. Without a proper road behind the building, residents face daily commuting challenges.
Despite ‘NO TRESPASSING’ signs indicating government ownership and warning of prosecution, illegal dumping persists. Residents have recommended installing fencing for those claiming ownership, but their requests remain unaddressed, and dumping continues.
Furthermore, commenting on the lack of accountability and overseeing mechanisms in the GHMC sanitation department, Sreehiranya also noted that, instead of deploying regular sanitation staff, GHMC has outsourced the task to a contractor, and a proper oversight mechanism is lacking, leading to challenges for residents. This has contributed to the persistence of the sanitation issue.
From Problem to Proposal: A Blueprint for a Greener City
In addition to their complaint, residents have proactively submitted constructive suggestions to municipal authorities for improving the city’s ecology and development.
Their proposal for the misused government land includes converting the dump into public parks with water harvesting systems to address water scarcity. They suggest planting fruit trees to attract birds, introducing Eucalyptus in soft-soil areas to absorb excess rainwater, and creating groves of medicinal plants to promote a healthier city.
Residents of White House Apartments urge GHMC to act promptly, remove the hazardous waste, and transform the site into a green space, reflecting their hope for a safer and healthier neighborhood.
