Hyderabad Waste Centres Face Resistance Across Districts
HYDERABAD: Fear generated by the Jawahar Nagar dumping yard continues to influence public opinion against new waste-management projects around Hyderabad. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is facing resistance to its proposal to establish four modern waste-management centres on the city’s outskirts.
Opposition to the proposed facilities in Siddapur of Rangareddy district, Pyaranagar in Sangareddy district and Dundigal in Medchal-Malkajgiri district reflects the challenge. Despite years of debate, officials and public representatives have failed to resolve concerns surrounding waste-management infrastructure. Political factors have also contributed to the controversy, with some leaders who approved the projects during the previous government now opposing them.
Parties unite against Siddapur proposal
The previous government acquired 86 acres in Survey Nos. 252, 278 and 361 at Siddapur from farmers for industrial development. The Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) later handed over the land to GHMC for a proposed waste-management facility.
Engineers proposed an EcoTown-style model similar to those in Japan, with enclosed container-based systems designed to eliminate visible waste and odour. However, local residents objected, fearing the area would become another Jawahar Nagar. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders have decided to organise a padayatra to the district collectorate in protest.
Residents of Sheriguda Bhadrapalli have also staged demonstrations against the proposal.
Similar objections in Pyaranagar and Dundigal
GHMC began work on a waste-management centre spread across 117 acres at Pyaranagar in Gummadidala mandal of Sangareddy district two years ago. Opposition emerged when land-levelling and road-construction works began.
Residents argued that land values would decline and expressed fears that their area could face problems similar to those seen at Jawahar Nagar. A proposed waste-management centre across 85 acres in Dundigal is facing comparable resistance.
Experts cite Dundigal model
The Jawahar Nagar dumping yard predates the establishment of a formal waste-management centre. Large tracts of land in the area had already been covered with garbage heaps, contributing to soil and air pollution.
A waste-management facility was established in Dundigal several years ago, and a 15-megawatt power-generation plant became operational there about 18 months ago. Experts note that the Dundigal facility has not attracted significant complaints related to odour or pollution. They suggest that showcasing Dundigal as a model project could help build public confidence in future waste-management centres.
