LB Nagar residents fear health risks from Autonagar dumpyard fire and chemical lake
Hyderabad: Residents of LB Nagar have raised serious concerns over the fire at the Autonagar dumpyard and the foul smell in the area. The rising air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching dangerous levels, has prompted urgent calls for action from authorities. The toxic odor is primarily due to the fire at the dumpyard, affecting the surrounding area.
Venkat Ankam and Manoj Vidiyala, founders of the Dha3R NGO, spoke to Hyderabad Mail about the dire situation. Venkat Ankam recalled how the night sky over LB Nagar, once a peaceful sight, now glows with flames from the dumpyard. Thick plumes of smoke, carrying a strong chemical stench, have become a constant nuisance for nearby residents, making it difficult to breathe.
In Mansoorabad, Raghava Rao, a 62-year-old resident, is struggling with the health impacts of the pollution. Once able to walk miles every day along the road adjacent to the Harina Vanasthali National Park, he now finds it hard to breathe due to the toxic gases in the air. His daughter, Lakshmi, rushed to assist him with an inhaler as his condition worsens. “Why does the air smell like poison? Why are you coughing so much today?” asked his young grandson, Aarav, highlighting the deep concern among the local community.
Raghava Rao spoke about the transformation of the area, recalling how a once-thriving forest, now part of the Harina Vanasthali National Park, helped maintain a cool, fresh atmosphere. Today, the situation has worsened with the formation of a 30-acre chemical lake, caused by untreated industrial discharge flowing from Autonagar, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.
Lakshmi expressed her frustration, questioning the lack of action despite government efforts. “The government has spent ₹15 crores on a nala and sewage treatment plant, but they remain unused. Why is there no monitoring of the Autonagar dumpyard?” she said. Her voice was filled with fear and anger, as the environmental crisis continues unabated.
🚫🛑🚫🛑 Chemical lake stinks. Dumpyard fire chokes. 🚨🔥. Authorities, please save #LBNagar from #AutoNagar dumpyard & Chemical lake#AQI is 500 #AirPollution @GHMCOnline@CommissionrGHMC @revanth_anumula @PrlsecyMAUD @TelanganaPCB @sudhakarudumula @TelanganaForest @CentralIfs pic.twitter.com/RBDuoXohFq
— Dha3R NGO (@Dha3r_Ngo) March 12, 2025
Venkat Ankam and Manoj Vidiyala of Dha3R NGO have been actively raising awareness about the environmental and public health issues caused by the dumpyard fire and chemical lake. The NGO’s social media post on X (formerly Twitter) urged authorities to take immediate action, “Chemical lake stinks. Dumpyard fire chokes. Authorities, please save #LBNagar from #AutoNagar dumpyard & Chemical lake. #AQI is 500 #AirPollution.” They tagged the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and other officials in the post.
A fire engine is trying to cease the fire now. pic.twitter.com/DfTqwhlh0C
— Dha3R NGO (@Dha3r_Ngo) March 12, 2025
In response, fire officials arrived at the scene to control the blaze. Dha3R NGO shared a video showing a fire engine working to douse the flames.
As the pollution crisis continues, residents and activists are calling for immediate measures to protect the health and safety of LB Nagar’s residents.
