NHRC warns TSPCB, GHMC over Jawahar Nagar dumping yard pollution
HYDERABAD: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a formal reminder to the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), instructing them to comply with previous orders concerning the environmental and health crisis at the Jawahar Nagar Dumping Yard in Medchal-Malkajgiri district. The Commission warned that non-compliance would lead to further action.
This intervention follows a detailed complaint from Srikhande Umesh Kumar, President of the Know Your Rights Society, who alleges serious violations of the fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.
In his complaint dated November 1, 2025, Kumar detailed ongoing hardships faced by residents of P.S. Rao Nagar, Dammaiguda, and surrounding areas. He cited severe issues such as foul odors, toxic air, and contaminated groundwater resulting from improper waste management, open leachate ponds, and lack of neutralizing chemicals. The pollution has significantly impacted vulnerable groups, including schoolchildren, asthma patients, and the elderly, exacerbating respiratory problems.
For the past 10 days, severe sound & air pollution have been caused by RAMKY at the JN Dumping Yard.
The noise from this site is extremely disturbing, & the air quality has drastically worsened. Despite repeated concerns, @ETspcb remains silent 🤐.@GHMCOnline @gadwalvijayainc pic.twitter.com/92GKIlMBwF— Srikhande Umesh Kumar (@srikhande_umesh) August 13, 2025
In August 2025, dumping yard authorities allegedly conducted a nearly 20-day power plant trial without required permissions from the GHMC, TSPCB, or local police. An RTI response from the Jawahar Nagar Police Station confirmed that no permission was granted. The trial generated continuous loud mechanical noise and emitted toxic smoke, resulting in severe noise and air pollution.
Jawahar Nagar dumping yard pollution
The NHRC complaint was preceded by several unsuccessful attempts to seek redress. Kumar submitted an initial complaint to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on August 16, 2025, followed by a September 23, 2025, appeal after the CPCB referred the matter to TSPCB, and a formal complaint to TSPCB on October 10, 2025, citing ongoing violations and an ineffective inspection by board officials.
Despite these efforts and a CPCB directive for TSPCB to submit an Action Taken Report, the complainant states that no significant remedial action has been observed.
After receiving the complaint on November 6, 2025, the NHRC registered it as a case. The Commission has directed the Chairman of TSPCB and the Commissioner of GHMC to provide further information and comply with its previous instructions.
The Commission’s notice, dated February 7, 2026, confirms that the matter has been reviewed and key concerns, including toxic air, foul odors, contaminated water, and unauthorized power plant trials, have been documented. This reminder serves as a formal ultimatum to state authorities.
The complainant has requested that the NHRC form a fact-finding team to visit the site, direct police to register an FIR against the dumping yard management, and instruct TSPCB and GHMC to take immediate corrective action, develop a mitigation plan, and impose penalties.
