Health Hazard: RMC plant in Puppalguda sparks protest over pollution concerns
Manikonda: Air and sound pollution from a Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant in Puppalguda has sparked protests from over 14,000 residents, prompting a formal complaint to the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB). The affected communities of Hallmark Vicinia and My Home Avatar have highlighted environmental concerns impacting the surrounding area.
Speaking to HyderabadMail, Goutham Krishna Reddy, an environmentalist living in Hallmark Vicinia, who filed a complaint with TGPCB said “The surrounding people are facing air and sound pollution problems. There are around 3000 flats in both the communities and around 14,000 individuals live in the area.”
In the representation to TGPCB, Hallmark Vicinia residents said, “We are facing dust and air pollution from an illegal RMC plant and weighing machine, causing health issues for kids and senior citizens.”
Puppalguda residents file complaint against RMC Plant
Goutham Krishna Reddy further explained that three years ago, there was an RMC plant in the same. After a complaint to TGPCB and the board after finding numerous violations, the RMC plant was closed in 2022. However, in the same location, Vasavi Constructions has been operating the Ready Mix Concrete(RMC) Plant for Captive Purpose in the name of RDC Concrete India Pvt. Ltd. since December 2023.
Reddy alleged, “There’s a lack of noise barriers. The RMC unit doesn’t have proper storage of stone aggregates, resulting in spreading dust to the surroundings.” He further alleged that RMC owners are plying the RMC loaded vehicles outside the project site which indicates that they are not utilizing the material for captive purposes, violating the Consents issued by the Board.
On 8th November, TGPCB called a hearing with both parties. Reddy said, “We attended and explained our issues but it was ineffective.”
“We have been running from pillar to post in the last one year but nothing has happened. We request the TGPCB should act swiftly and ensure safe and clean air for residents,” added Reddy.
