Civic Mail Hyderabad

Mansoorabad residents demand action as air quality worsens from garbage burning

Mansoorabad Garbage Burning Pollution

Mansoorabad: Residents of Mansoorabad, along the Mansoorabad to Autonagar Road, Hyderabad, are confronting serious air quality concerns as garbage continues to be burned both day and night. This issue has persisted for over two decades, primarily stemming from a large dumpyard near the Harina Vanasthali National Park, where waste has been frequently dumped and ignited.

Venkat Ankam, and Manoj Vidiyala, the Co-Founders of the Dha3R NGO, spoke with the Hyderabad Mail about the longstanding pollution problems in the LB Nagar circle. “For over two decades, Mansoorabad has struggled with severe pollution issues. Although the dumpyard was officially closed and relocated to Jawahar Nagar a decade ago, illegal dumping and burning have continued,” they explained.

Venkat Ankam highlighted that the nearby industrial area of Autonagar significantly contributes to pollution. He stated, “Toxic chemicals have been discharged directly into the forest via an illegal pipeline, creating a hazardous 30 square acre ‘chemical lake.’ This situation has led to the destruction of trees and poses serious risks to both animal and human health. The emergence of Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) has exacerbated the situation, as accumulated waste is often burned when not cleared by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Open plots, which receive less frequent clean-up, are particularly susceptible to this practice.”

As a result, the air quality index (AQI) in Mansoorabad is severely impacted by garbage burning, industrial chemical pollutants, dust, and vehicle emissions. Dr. Bharat Janapati, a local pulmonologist, noted a concerning rise in respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly who are continuously exposed to the polluted air.

While the GHMC makes daily efforts to collect garbage, Manoj Vidiyala insists that more comprehensive actions are necessary. He pointed out gaps in current policies, such as the failure to collect small construction debris and waste from street vendors. This often leads residents to leave items in open areas where they may be burned, sometimes by GHMC workers for convenience.

“To improve air quality, a more thorough approach to garbage collection at the source is essential,” Manoj stated. He also highlighted the need for increased community awareness regarding the health impacts of air pollution. Local associations, NGOs, and residents should collaborate to educate the public about responsible waste disposal. Installing CCTV cameras could help identify and penalise those involved in illegal dumping and burning.

They highlighted the importance of a sustainable waste management approach that includes direct collection from homes, shops, and construction sites, as well as proper waste segregation. Currently, plastic waste often ends up mixed with wet waste, complicating recycling efforts. They urged stricter enforcement of existing plastic bans and suggested that SAT vehicles focus more on collecting recyclable materials to reduce landfill waste.

According to information on the Dha3R NGO website, the Mansoorabad area is threatened by an illegal sewage pipeline laid by the Telangana State Industrial Corporation Ltd. (TSIIC) and the Industrial Area Local Authority (IALA). This pipeline has released harmful industrial effluents mixed with sewage into Harina Vanasthali National Park, causing pollution across a significant 30 square acres.

Environmental activist and founder of the Dhruvansh Organisation Madhulika S. Chowdary highlighted ongoing environmental issues in Autonagar, including industrial pollution that has persisted for two decades. She called for urgent action from the Forest Department regarding a chemical leak in a nearby lake, expressing frustration that concerns are being ignored. “Immediate action is necessary to protect the forest,” she said.