Bachupally residents submit complaint over industrial pollution, PCB responds

Hyderabad: Members of the Bachupally Area Welfare Association, along with former corporator Vijayalakshmi Subbaraju, met with the Chief Environmental Engineer (CEE) of the Pollution Control Board (PCB) in Sanath Nagar on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to address ongoing industrial pollution in the area. The residents submitted a formal complaint regarding the indiscriminate release of chemical waste by nearby factories.

CEE Raghav assured the residents that following their recent protests, including a dharna and road blockade in Bachupally, the Pollution Control Board had taken action. He explained that regular inspections of factories are being carried out daily. During these inspections, maintenance issues with the treatment equipment were identified, and notices have been issued to modernize these systems. The Vigilance Team has also been instructed to conduct checks starting at 4 p.m. every day, and is actively meeting with residents to collect complaints.

Most notably, in response to the complaint filed by residents, the PCB has agreed to set up two Air Quality Measurement Systems in Bachupally, one at Hill County and the other at Praneeth Life. The residents welcomed this positive development.

Earlier, on Sunday, March 9, 2025, Bachupally residents staged a protest rally against the persistent industrial pollution in the area. Many residents participated, holding placards with slogans like, “Seize TFL - No more toxic air,” “Stop pollution,” and “Pollution-free air is our birthright.” Protesters highlighted the health risks posed by the pollution and expressed frustration with the lack of action from authorities.

One organizer stated, “We need to educate everyone in our locality about the harmful effects of air pollution. We will continue these protests until the government takes action.”

Residents reported that the chemical smell from nearby factories has been leaking heavily over the past couple of months, particularly at night. The gases are causing eye irritation and breathing difficulties.

Locals have raised concerns about industrial pollution in the area for the past five years. Despite repeatedly bringing the issue to the attention of the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) and other authorities, they say no concrete action has been taken.

Similarly, residents of KRCR Colony in Bachupally have raised concerns about a strong, unpleasant chemical smell affecting their daily lives. Gopi Krishna, a resident of KRCR Colony since 2008, said, “Pollution has been a persistent issue here. Even our local MLA has participated in protests, but there has been no positive outcome.”

Pollution Control Board Responds Positively to Complaints from Bachupally Welfare Association

Today, several leaders from the Bachupally Welfare Association, under the leadership of former corporator Vijayalakshmi Subbarao, met with the Chief Environmental Engineer (CEE) of the… pic.twitter.com/lLElgQtJvc

— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) March 15, 2025