Over 14,000 residents demand closure of polluting RMC plant in Puppalguda
Manikonda: Residents of My Home Avatar and Hallmark Vicinia took to the streets on November 23, 2024, staging a protest to demand the removal of a Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant operated by Vasavi Atlantis near their residential communities in Narsingi. The protest was sparked by concerns over the air and sound pollution caused by the RMC plant in Puppalguda.
Carrying placards with messages such as "Save People from Pollution" and "Stop RMC Plant," the residents voiced their frustrations over the environmental impact the plant is having on the surrounding area. Despite several complaints lodged with the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB), no action has been taken, prompting the residents to condemn the PCB officials for their inaction.
According to Goutham Krishna Reddy, an environmentalist and resident of Hallmark Vicinia, pollution from plants has become a serious health concern for the community. "The surrounding residents are facing severe air and sound pollution issues. There are about 3,000 flats in both My Home Avatar and Hallmark Vicinia, home to around 14,000 people," Goutham Krishna Reddy told Hyderabad Mail, earlier. "The pollution is particularly harmful to children and senior citizens."
Residents of My Home Avatar and Hallmark Vicinia in Narsingi staged a protest demanding the removal of the RMC plant operated by Vasavi Atlantis near their residential communities.
Carrying placards with messages like "Save People from Pollution" and "Stop RMC Plant," the… pic.twitter.com/7amjS2Vjcv
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) November 23, 2024
In their formal complaint to the TGPCB, residents from Hallmark Vicinia stated that the illegal RMC plant and its weighing machine were causing excessive dust and air pollution, leading to health problems for residents. The complaint also highlighted that the plant lacks proper noise barriers, and the storage of stone aggregates is insufficient, allowing dust to spread into the surrounding areas.
Goutham Krishna Reddy explained that an RMC plant previously operated in the same location but was shut down in 2022 after residents filed complaints citing multiple violations. However, since December 2023, Vasavi Constructions has resumed operations of the plant under the name RDC Concrete India Pvt. Ltd. Despite claims that the plant operates for "captive purposes," Goutham alleges that RMC-loaded vehicles are being transported outside the project site, violating the terms of the consents granted by the pollution control board.
On November 8, a hearing was held by the TGPCB, where residents raised their concerns, but Goutham described the hearing as ineffective. "We have been running from pillar to post for the last year, but nothing has changed. We urge the TGPCB to act swiftly and ensure safe and clean air for the residents," he added.
