Jawaharnagar dump yard chokes residents with toxic fumes
HYDERABAD: Residents living around the Jawaharnagar dump yard have alleged that the toxic fumes from the site are endangering their lives. They said the air in the surrounding localities has turned poisonous, making it difficult to breathe.
Despite the government spending hundreds of crores of rupees on waste management, pollution from the dump yard continues unabated. Citizens lamented that successive governments have failed to find a permanent solution even though the yard handles garbage from nearly 15 lakh people in Hyderabad.
Neighbourhoods hit by foul air and skin diseases
Locals from Jawaharnagar, Ambedkarnagar, Pragatinagar, Karmiknagar, Rajiv Gandhinagar, Malkaram, Gabbilalapet, Chiryala, Haridaspalli, Thimmayipalli, Ahmedguda, Bandlaguda, Rajiv Swagruha, Dammaiguda, Nagaram and Rampally said the stench has made life unbearable.
Residents complained that mosquito and fly infestations have worsened, especially in Arun and Gabbilalapet. “The dump yard emits unbearable odour. We can’t even sleep at night. Neither municipal officials nor yard operators care about our plight,” said a resident.
Toxic gases and health hazards worsen at night
Locals said the stench and fumes intensify after dark. The site, spread over 351 acres, receives around 8,500 tonnes of waste daily. “The waste heaps emit toxic gases that cause skin allergies and respiratory illnesses,” said a government health officer.
Dr Vijay, a medical officer at the local health centre, said, “Dozens of patients with respiratory issues and fevers visit daily. We have also identified several cases of serious skin infections due to exposure to toxic gases.”
GHMC promises relief measures
Municipal Commissioner Vasantha said, “We will take up the issue with GHMC authorities and ensure relief measures are implemented. We are receiving frequent complaints about chemical fumes being released at night.”
