HYDERABAD: Residents of Ameenpur in the city's western corridor have raised concerns over a dumping yard in their locality, alleging severe environmental and health impacts due to persistent foul odour and smoke.
According to locals, nearly 30 colonies are affected by the stench during garbage transportation and thick smoke from frequent waste burning. Residents said the situation has become "unbearable", with repeated complaints failing to yield relief.
Dumpyard exceeds original purpose and capacity
Residents alleged that the facility was initially planned about six years ago as a garbage transfer station by the local municipality. However, they said it has gradually turned into a full-fledged dumping ground, far exceeding its intended capacity.
The Ameenpur People's Association (APA) recently submitted a representation to the commissioner of the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC), urging authorities to relocate the dumping yard away from residential areas.
"The dumping yard in Ameenpur, situated amid several residential colonies, has become a serious health hazard and a life-threatening issue for people living in the surrounding areas, especially children and the elderly," APA president Tirumal Reddy said.
He added, "We request your kind intervention on humanitarian grounds so that the residents of these colonies can breathe clean air and live in a healthy environment."
Residents cite health risks and environmental damage
Residents said leachate from the waste heap is seeping into open areas, raising concerns about soil and water contamination. They also pointed to an increase in respiratory ailments due to prolonged exposure to smoke and polluted air.
"We are struggling to live under such conditions. Authorities must act immediately, relocate this dumping yard away from residential areas, and give us relief from the pollution and health risks," said Arun Kumar, a resident.
Authorities propose relocation outside ORR
A CMC official said a proposal has been submitted to the district collector seeking allocation of land outside the Outer Ring Road (ORR) for the facility.
"We submitted a request to the collector to allot suitable land outside ORR for this facility. Once land is allocated, the dumping yard will be cleared," the official said.