Hyderabad: Industrial pollution a big concern

UPPAL, ward no.10 in the GHMC, is a suburban area in the east zone of Hyderabad that has witnessed significant growth over the last decade. The ward includes industrial area along with well-organized colonies amidst landmarks like Musi river to its south, NGRI Scrub Forest in west and Pedda Cheruvu lake to its north. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is one of the defining features of Uppal.

However, the ward has been facing civic related problems for several years. The locals have been suffering due to bad roads, drainage issues, industrial pollution and many other zonal problems like irregular drinking water supply and power supply. The recent floods have added to the woes of the entire division. The 54,241 voters of the ward would be exercising their franchise in 56 polling stations in the GHMC elections on December 1.

Locals lament that though several representations were made to authorities concerned but neither officials nor public representatives tried to resolve the issues.

The drainage problems exist almost in all the colonies, but are severe in Laxmi Narasimha colony, Saraswathi Nagar where sewage water overflows onto the roads. As a result, the roads are battered and totally damaged in colonies like Saraswathi Nagar, L N Colony, Kurmaguda, Old Uppal, Gandhi Nagar. There is a demand for RTC bus services connecting all the colonies in Uppal division. The other major issue is pollution from many existing and new industries being established in the Uppal industrial corridor. The chemical and pollutants are released into drains and water bodies without being treated. As a result, the roads get damaged severely when drain water mixed with pollutants overflow onto the roads. Though air and water pollution has been impacting the health of the locals, the pollution control board has not initiated any preventive measures, the residents alleged.

The chemically contaminated groundwater is affecting the construction works of houses and bore water problems. The locals have put forth a representation demanding the authorities to change the zone from industrial to residential, but there has been no response yet.