Residents of Bachupally Sai Anurag Colony face severe groundwater contamination, demand action
Hyderabad: Residents of Sai Anurag Colony in Bachupally are grappling with severe groundwater pollution, raising health concerns among locals. Many allege that the groundwater in the area has been contaminated for over a year. This has prompted them to file complaints to the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB). Telangana pollution board, which tested the water samples and confirmed that the water in the area has been contaminated, leaving residents anxious about their health.
A resident told HyderabadMail, “We noticed the contamination a year ago and have been fighting against it. We approached the TGPCB in January, and after three months, in March, they finally collected samples from our neighbourhood. The reports were sent to us on Wednesday.”
The TGPCB’s test results confirmed the contamination, stating, “The high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) value, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Chlorides, Sulphates, Total Hardness, Calcium, and Magnesium levels exceed drinking water standards, indicating contamination.”
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) shows how much oxygen is needed to break down organic pollutants in water. Elevated COD levels suggest a high concentration of harmful organic substances. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is the total amount of dissolved minerals, salts, and organic matter in water. Excessive TDS makes water unfit for drinking and irrigation, posing serious health risks. "We have witnessed several skin issues among the residents", added the resident.
With the TGPCB’s report confirming pollution, locals are pressing for strict enforcement of environmental regulations and long-term solutions to safeguard groundwater quality. “We have been suffering for too long. Authorities must act quickly to fix this issue. If not, it could cause serious health risks,” another resident said. Residents are very frustrated with the slow response from authorities and the long exposure to unsafe water. They now want quick action to stop more groundwater pollution and to guarantee clean, safe drinking water.