Alert over huge tree waste near electric tranformers ahead of Diwali in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: A resident of Indian Airlines Colony, Begumpet, has complained to the GHMC that three lorry loads of dried tree debris have piled up near the electric tranformers at the local park. A stray spark from Diwali crackers could set the debris on fire and the electric transformer is an added hazard.

GHMC has been receiving similar complaints as green waste has not been cleared from many localities. The corporation now says it has deployed additional staff to ensure that garbage is cleared.

Akshay Methraskar, who raised the alarm about the fire hazard, explains that Madanapet has a big marketplace and so accumulates large quantities of garbage, including leaves and flowers. "The main problem is that the garbage is not lifted regularly." He wants the area to be "garbage free and also eco-friendly."

Farha A has requested the GHMC to lift the garbage in Paramount colony near Gate # 3, Tolichowki. “There are no garbage pickers nor is there a dump area so people are just throwing garbage anywhere. This is inviting many diseases and dengue is so common nowadays,” she said.

A resident of Shanthi Nagar, Masab Tank, says trees that were chopped for the Ganesh procession in September, have not been cleared. Leaf waste is a source for carbon monoxide which is considered a pollutant.

GHMC does not have a separate disposal system for tree debris; it is combined with other city waste and disposed of at Jawahar Nagar .

Additional commissioner, health and sanitation, Ravi Kiran said, “Following several complaints, on October 29, additional staff was deployed in circles having vulnerable garbage points like L B Nagar, Kukatpally, Charminar etc. Garbage was cleared and the place lit with earthen lamps. Diwali celebrations were held at various garbage points.”