Ameenpur choked by toxic fumes, residents fear for health

Ameenpur: Residents of Ameenpur have raised serious concerns about a recurring heavy chemical smell that they believe is affecting their health. They have been experiencing this issue for over a year, particularly in the evenings between 3.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

Social media posts from Mahesh Reddy (@Mahesh Kakanuru) and others highlighted the problem. Mahesh Reddy tweeted, "A heavy chemical smell is coming, unable to take a breath in Ameenpur. Requesting a patrolling team to visit the location."

Residents suspect the smell emanates from industrial areas near Bollaram, with the fumes potentially reaching neighboring areas like Bachupally. Nannapaneni Sambasivarao (@Nannapanen63742) highlighted the need for Pollution Control Board (PCB) intervention by stating, "Heavy pollution in this area, Please visit this location."

Mahesh Reddy, speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, explained their struggles. "This issue has been ongoing for one to two years. We get this smell in the evenings across different locations in Ameenpur. We have informed the PCB multiple times, and their patrolling teams visited twice. Based on wind direction, they believe the smell originates from Bollaram. The pungent and toxic odor is also felt in Bachupally."

Mahesh Reddy further noted frustration with the PCB's response time. "We have no way of measuring the toxicity ourselves. The only solution is for the PCB's patrolling team to visit and record the smell's intensity. However, they take 4-5 hours to respond by the time the smell dissipates. Last Friday, between 4.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m., the smell was unbearable, making it difficult to breathe."

He described the lack of clear responsibility between local authorities. "I contacted them again on Friday. They claimed to be on their way from Bollaram and recording the issue, but they also said Ameenpur doesn't fall under their jurisdiction. We requested them to record the emissions from the Bollaram factories, but they insisted Ameenpur authorities handle it. Ameenpur authorities maintain their patrolling teams are active, but residents see no improvement."

Mahesh Reddy expressed concern for the community's health, particularly children, senior citizens, and those with pre-existing conditions. He urged authorities to identify the source of the toxic fumes and take strict action. This could include identifying the responsible factories and either implementing stricter emission controls or relocating them further from residential areas.

Residents of Ameenpur demand a solution to this ongoing issue that is impacting their health and well-being. They urge authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure clean air and a healthy environment for their community.