Puppalguda RMC Plant continues operations despite protests, residents demand action
Hyderabad: Residents of My Home Avatar and Hallmark Vicinia have raised serious concerns about air and dust pollution from a Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plant in Puppalguda. The pollution is severely affecting the health of local residents, particularly housewives, small children, newborns, and senior citizens. Despite a protest two weeks ago and assurances from political parties, the plant’s operations continue, prompting renewed calls for immediate action from the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB).
Speaking with Hyderabad Mail, Goutham Krishna Reddy, a resident of Hallmark Vicinia, expressed frustration over the ongoing issue. “Housewives, small children, newborns, and senior citizens are suffering from the air and noise pollution caused by the RMC plant in Puppalguda. We held a peaceful protest two weeks ago, but the plant continues to operate. We urge immediate action to shut it down.”
Goutham also shared an incident where a mother recorded the constant noise from the plant, highlighting the distress it caused her family. “A mother was in anguish because her family couldn’t rest due to the noise. It’s been heartbreaking,” he said.
Residents have been raising concerns for over three years, urging authorities to intervene. “We have repeatedly contacted the pollution control authorities and asked for action. The RMC plant, operated by Vasavi Atlantis, should be shut down immediately as it’s located too close to residential areas,” Reddy added.
Despite support from political leaders, NGOs, and the local community, the plant’s operations persist. “We’ve received support from all sides, but the plant continues to operate,” Goutham said, expressing disappointment with the lack of progress.
The site previously hosted an RMC plant that was shut down by the Telangana Pollution Control Board in 2022 after multiple violations. However, a new RMC plant, run by Vasavi Constructions under the name RDC Concrete India Pvt. Ltd., began operations in December 2023. Goutham alleged that the plant is still violating the board’s directives, with no noise barriers and improper storage of aggregates leading to dust pollution. Additionally, Goutham claims that RMC-loaded vehicles are being driven outside the project site, suggesting the material is not being used for its intended purpose.
A hearing was held by the TGPCB on November 8, where both sides presented their cases. However, Goutham Reddy described the hearing as ineffective, stating no significant action has been taken.
“We’ve been trying to get a resolution for over a year, but nothing has changed,” Goutham Reddy said, urging the TGPCB to act swiftly. “We need clean air and an end to the ongoing pollution.”
