Narsingi: Dust from RMC plant chokes Hallmark Vicinia, residents protest against air pollution

Hyderabad: Residents of Hallmark Vicinia and My Home Avatar in Narsingi have been dealing with severe dust and noise pollution discharged from a ready mix concrete (RMC) plant nearby for the past three years.

Nearly 10,000 people reside in over 3,000 flats in these residential projects where the discharge from the RMC plant has made life miserable for the residents.

The residents complain that the situation is particularly alarming as the dust and pollution are adversely affecting the health of children and senior citizens. They are forced to breathe air which is filled with dust and chemicals.

They have raised the issue of deteriorated air quality in the neighbourhood with the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) in the past. Despite numerous representations, no concrete action has been taken on their complaint.

Acting on a previous complaint, the TGPCB ordered the closure of an RMC plant in 2022. However, a year later Vasavi Constructions started operating the Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) Plant for Captive Purpose in the name of RDC Concrete India Pvt. Ltd.

According to environmentalist and a resident of Hallmark Vicinia Goutham Krishna Reddy, the ready mix concrete plant does not have noise barriers and proper storage for stone aggregates which is reportedly causing the spread of dust to the surroundings.

Recently, more than 20 illegal units were seized in Shamshabad mandal. In Bowrampet alone, there are over 20 RMC plants, many of these are being operated without obtaining proper approvals. These plants have also been set up along both sides of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) from Nizampet, Abdullapurmet, Hayathnagar, Koheda, and Gandimaisamma to Miyapur, Shankarpally, Ghatkesar, Uppal, and Keesara.