Open dumping, burning of waste at Osmania University sparks outrage
Hyderabad: Citizens have raised serious concerns over open dumping and burning of waste at Osmania University, with reports that garbage is being disposed of into a heritage well on the campus.
The issue was highlighted by Hyderabad Waste Warrior (@HydWastewarrior) on X (formerly Twitter), which posted, “Absolutely outrageous! Osmania University is turning into a dumpsite—open dumping, landfill into a heritage well, and open burning. How is this even happening under @GHMCOnline’s watch? @CommissionrGHMC @ZC_Secunderabad — Fix accountability. Take immediate action!”
Residents expressed alarm over the open burning of waste, a practice prohibited in Telangana. The problem, they say, is not limited to Osmania University but is prevalent in several parts of Hyderabad. Some citizens have even reported incidents of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) staff being involved in the burning of garbage.
In 2017, the Telangana government issued a ban on the open burning of waste, including at landfill sites. Under this order, violators, including individuals and municipal bodies, face fines ranging from ₹5,000 for minor offenses to ₹25,000 for large-scale violations. These fines are recoverable as arrears of land revenue.
Despite the ban, residents report that such practices continue unabated, raising concerns about environmental and public health impacts. Many are calling for immediate enforcement and accountability from local authorities.
Citizens experiencing water or sewerage issues in Hyderabad can contact the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) through its helpline numbers 155313 or 040-23300114, or via its official handle on X. GHMC can also be contacted for related issues through its official X handle, @GHMCOnline.
The HMWSSB, established in 1989, manages the city's water supply and sewerage services. GHMC, which governs the capital city of Telangana, oversees a population of 7.9 million across an area of 650 square kilometers.