HYDERABAD:A ready-mix concrete making plant is functioning with impunity in a residential area, Khajaguda, on the road leading to Gachibowli in the IT corridor of the city. Though the pollution-causing unit has been causing nuisance to the public for months now, the Telangana State Pollution Control Board, however, feigns ignorance about its existence.
A TSPCB official told Express that they were unaware about the ready-mix plant in the residential area. “We have not given permission for the operation of such a plant. Such polluting units can not be set up in residential areas. We will inspect the plant, issue notices and take action,” an official said.
Several complaints and demands made by the residents of Timber Lake Colony and Khajaguda to the revenue department for the past four months for closure of the unit fell on deaf ears. Unlike the TSPCB, this department has, at least, acknowledged the problem, said residents.
“The ready-mix plant has become a serious health hazard to the whole neighbourhood. Thousands of motorists ply on this road every day. There is a hospital beside the plant. Even patients are breathing dust-filled air. Since the plant does not have a dust separation system, particulate pollutants enter homes. To prevent this we are forced to stay holed up in our homes with the doors and windows shut. We have requested officials to relocate the plant from the residential area to the city’s outskirts,” said N Yogesh Kumar, a resident who lives near the plant.
Avinash Reddy, a techie who commutes daily on the route, said that the air in the area is extremely polluted for a distance of one kilometre, especially the Khajaguda-Gachibowli road. “The dust is causing eye irritation and breathing problem to me. In the absence of an alternative route, I am forced to take this road. Every morning we have to face the problem of pollution,” he said.
Speaking to Express, Amar Nath Reddy, manager of the plant, explained that the unit supplied material for white-topping of the roads in the IT corridor. “At present, white-topping of the road from Delhi Public School to Nanakramguda is in progress. Once the work is over, we will relocate the plant. Anyhow, we will take the necessary measures to curb dust pollution,” he added.
When contacted, Rangareddy district deputy collector S Tirupati Rao said that so far there had been no complaints from residents. “We will inspect the site at Khajaguda. Appropriate action will be taken if the unit does not have clearance from the Pollution Control Board,” he assured.