3,000 families in Tellapur at risk from toxic chemical odour

Tellapur: More than 3,000 families in Tellapur are threatened due to a strong chemical odour, possibly from nearby industries. Residents are urgently calling on the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) to investigate and mitigate the gas emissions that are severely impacting vulnerable populations, including infants and the elderly.

Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, residents from My Home Tridasa and Ankura shared their distressing experiences. One resident said, “The strong odour, possibly from the chemical industry near Tellapur, is making us feel sick and uncomfortable. We approached the pollution board late at night, and while they assured us they would visit, we remain uncertain about the actions they will take.”

Another resident from My Home Tridasa, RC Puram, expressed concerns about the broader impact, saying, “This toxic gas issue likely affects Nallagandla and parts of Patancheru as well. I recently moved from a villa community near Patancheru to Tridasa, hoping to escape the strong smell there. Unfortunately, we are now facing the same problem.”

Residents have noted that the issue intensifies with wind patterns. “Whenever the air flows from Patancheru towards Tridasa, we are directly affected,” one resident explained. “We are the first ones in the airflow after the ICRISAT forest, and we bear the brunt. Officials often switch off pollution trackers, and visits occur late at night. Additionally, we observed excessive smog today, leaving us wondering whether it’s smog or fog.”

They urged the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) to investigate the persistent toxic smell and the smog observed recently. “The chemical odour typically emerges from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, but it started earlier yesterday. It’s in the air, and we are unaware of the pollution levels. We need officials to examine the industrial areas to identify which industry is responsible, as this is a significant health hazard for our entire community.”

Residents remain hopeful that the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) will take prompt action to address their growing concerns about air quality and public health.