Hyderabad: Residents of Maytas Hill County in Bachupally had invested crores of rupees in their new homes, expecting a spacious gated community with lush green lawns, all amenities and a serene environment. What they got instead, is an unbearable stink from noxious gases that causes respiratory troubles.
In spite of many representations and protests for the last six years, the Telangana State Pollution Control Board has done nothing to rein in the many industrial units in the vicinity that release noxious gases into the air, claim residents. Gases such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia are released at night and in the early hours of the morning, which is a serious health hazard for people living in Miyapur, Nizampet, Bachupally and adjoining areas.
H2S content of the gases released was measured in 2012 by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and it was found that the value is 8µg/m3 as against the threshold value of 0.65µg/m3 (more than 11 times over the limit). Inhaling such polluted air over time could lead to permanent disabilities according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Padmanabha Reddy, who lives in Maytas Hill County, said the PCB identified certain industrial units that were causing the pollution and they were asked to suspend operations.
“However, the decision just remained on paper. If no action is taken, the situation will lead to serious health hazards.”
“The residents are spending through their noses towards hospital bills.” Dr Vasi Reddy, who practices in the area, says that he sees five to six patients every day with respiratory problems. “These air polluting gases cause nausea, sore throat, cough, dust allergies, breathlessness, vomiting, asthma, allergic bronchitis, gastritis and irritation in the eyes,” he says.
The TSPCB claims it has taken action after receiving complaints from residents.
V Sreenivas, an IT professional and a resident of Nizampet said, "Sometimes it's difficult to breathe. We have to immediately close our doors. We are inhaling poisonous gases every day.''
The TSPCB claims it has taken action after receiving complaints from residents.
N Raveendhar, a PCB official in Hyderabad said: "We conducted a detailed study and analysis of gases at Bachupally. We also inspected industries and we have set up equipment to analyse the pollution levels but whatever the residents are saying is not correct. We have taken several actions on their complaints."
He goes on to make light of the residents' complaints, saying, "We agree that some gases are released, but the residents face this smell occasionally, and due to winter season, the smell is a bit high as their houses are very near the industrial area. The state government has taken a policy decision to shift all these industries by the year 2020.'' Until then, presumably, residents will just have to suffer from respiratory illnesses.
