Environmental activist demands closure of Phoenix RMC in Gandipet over violations

Hyderabad: Lubna Sarwath, an environmental activist and member of the Indian Congress Party in Telangana, has issued a formal notice to the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) demanding the demolition of the Phoenix RMC facility in Gandipet, Rangareddy district. Lubna Sarwath alleged that the plant has been operating illegally since 2021, with the full knowledge of various officials, despite numerous violations regarding air and sound pollution.
In her statement, Lubna Sarwath highlighted serious concerns regarding the operations of Phoenix RMC, located in Survey No. 286, opposite Navnaami Residency in Poppalguda. She accused the facility of destroying the Mamasani Kunta water body, which was vital for local hydrology and wildlife, particularly peacocks. “This red hazardous industry has operated without authorisation in a residential and school zone, emitting carcinogenic dust that poses a severe health risk to the community,” she stated.
On September 12, 2024, Sarwath attended a hearing before the TGPCB’s Task Force Committee, where she reiterated demands for the closure and eviction of Phoenix RMC. She presented photographic evidence of the destruction of Mamasani Kunta and highlighted the illegitimacy of the Environmental Clearance (EC) under which the RMC operates. Sarwath pointed out that the facility, misclassified as “captive,” is actually commercial and serves multiple units, violating local zoning regulations.
According to Sarwath, the TGPCB has disregarded noise pollution standards, allowing the facility’s decibel levels from 70-75 dB to exceed the permissible limits for residential areas, which are capped at 50 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. She noted that complaints from neighbours, which should warrant closure under the conditions of the Consent for Establishment (CFE), have not been acted upon.
Sarwath outlined a troubling timeline of events regarding Phoenix RMC:
CFE for captive RMC granted on September 30, 2021
Closure orders issued on September 19, 2022
CFO granted despite closure orders on May 24, 2023
Temporary revocation orders on June 8, 2023
Subsequent complaints by residents in March/April 2024
Revocation of closure orders on June 26, 2024
Latest complaints and show cause notices on August 2024
She criticised the TGPCB for revoking closure orders despite ongoing violations and for conducting meetings without the presence of complainants like herself and residents of Navnaami Residency. Sarwath called the board’s actions a “mockery” of environmental regulations and claimed that the TGPCB has acted in bad faith, prioritising the interests of Phoenix RMC over public safety.
In her notice, Sarwath demanded an explanation from the TGPCB regarding the revocation of closure orders and the continued operations of the RMC despite repeated violations and complaints. She set a deadline of September 27, 2024, for the board to take action on her demands.
“We reserve the right to highlight further irregularities by TGPCB officials and will proceed accordingly in the interest of public safety,” Sarwath said.