Illegal chemical godowns, oil processing units run in densely populated areas

Hyderabad: The Bazarghat fire of Monday shone the spotlight on an open secret in the city, about dozens of illegal chemical godowns and illegal reprocessing units being run in densely populated areas of the city to evade detection by authorities, according to sources.

Sources said that these units are especially concentrated in the localities of Bholakpur, Begum Bazaar, Asifnagar, Puranapul, Sitaphalmandi, Nakramguda, Bogulkunta, Goshamahal and Indiranagar. They said that illegal oil is supplied from these areas to illegal factories in IDA Nacharam, Balanagar, Katedhan and Cherlapally.

Such units, most of which engage in oil processing, have mushroomed due to the recent hikes in engine oil prices.

Vijay Agrawal, an oil distributor, said: “An oil mafia has been existing for a long time, but after the oil prices were hiked, they have multiplied exponentially, affecting our business.”

Illegal oil processing units date back to 2005, Agrawal said, citing an instance of an explosion on August 5, 2005, in a Kukatpally facility that left three dead.

“They have their own processing units. They collect waste engine oil from different auto sheds, process them, package and sell in the market using branded containers. Our concern is that several barrels of oil is being stored in their units that are located in some of the city’s most densely populated areas, endangering human lives,” Agrawal said.

Agrawal said he discovered the existence of the oil mafia when he came across counterfeits of the brand he works for. “These illegal units, even today, exist in Begum Bazaar,” Agrawal said.

A source, on condition of anonymity, said: “In Kattedan, there are several plastic factories to which chemicals are being supplied from various places in the city. Industrial areas of Nacharam, Balanagar and Cherlapally have dozens of illegal godowns of chemical and black oil processing units.”

A fire officer preached caution while dealing with fires caused by or involving such substances. “Once the oil starts burning, even if one pours water, the fire does not get extinguished. Instead, it spreads to the entire area,” a fire officer said.

He said that chemical and oil blasts turn dangerous in densely populated areas, as it becomes difficult to gain access.

“We could not take our Bronto fire truck to the narrow lane of Balaji Residency on Monday. We request the public to inform us or police so that such illegal businesses threatening lives can be stopped,” the fire officer said.

Residents say that such dealers and traders have their own property or rent out premises in residential properties, forcing residents to put up with it, alleging official inaction and threat of eviction.

 

My colony is filled with chemical cans and drums. The fumes enter our house and we find it difficult to breathe. We complained to the traders  but they are reluctant. We feel so suffocated sometimes to breathe.”

Sai Lakshmi, Street No. 4, Bogulkunta

 

Around nine years ago, there was a fire mishap at Indranagar. Since it was small one, the fire was controlled with fire extinguishers. The local MLA visited the site, but no action was taken.

Dr Joel Sunil Kumar, Sai Guru Datta Residency, Indiranagar

 

The whole area, from Bogulkunta to Ramkote, is among the busiest markets for chemicals and acids. Civic authorities must raid these places before another untoward incident takes place.

Rakesh, Indiranagar

 

Goshamahal is a hub for lamination and plywood shops, which store cans of glue and highly flammable adhesives. We requested the traders, as well some house owners, to take their activities away but there is no use.”

Vishal Kumar, Goshamahal