Industrial waste contaminates water bodies in Hyderabad outskirts

HYDERABAD: Industrial effluents have severely contaminated groundwater in Jeedimetla, Kattedan, Patancheru, Nacharam, Mallapur and Pashamylaram. According to local reports, water in 185 lakes and ponds under Greater Hyderabad limits has become sewage-laden.

Paxsegur near Jeedimetla and Noor Mohammad Kunta near Kattedan are among several lakes that have turned unusable. Residents in industrial zones complain that tap water froths when opened, due to untreated waste mixing with the supply.

As per rules, waste generated from industries must be sent to Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) at Jeedimetla, Patancheru and Nacharam. However, authorities allege that many units bypass this requirement.

Tanker mafia on rise

Earlier, factories discharged waste into nearby drains. Following public awareness, waste is now transported illegally in tankers. Locals in Subhash Nagar, Jeedimetla, have found drums being prepared to store hazardous waste before shifting it to the city’s outskirts. Officials believe a “tanker mafia” is operating this trade.

Pollution Control Board (PCB) guidelines mandate treatment of effluents before disposal, but plant owners prefer tankers to avoid high treatment costs. Transporters often dump waste without reaching designated ETPs.

In Mallapur, 700 industries are required to send waste to Boduppal ETP. While 200 are registered, only 45 send tankers daily. At Jeedimetla, 1,200 industries exist, but only 300 comply with rules. Tanker operators reportedly charge ₹60,000 per trip, and in some cases up to ₹1 lakh.

PCB questioned on enforcement

PCB rules require prior permission for each tanker, clear labelling of contents, and transport between 6am and 6pm. However, poor supervision has led to violations. Locals have demanded stricter checks to prevent further contamination of lakes and groundwater.