Hyderabad, February 8, 2024 — A burgeoning environmental crisis looms over Osman Sagar, one of Hyderabad’s prized reservoirs, as an illegal garbage dump yard operates perilously close to its shores. Local authorities have allocated government land to a private individual, for the disposal of waste from Sun City, Nanakramguda, Narsingi, and surrounding areas, exacerbating concerns about pollution and habitat degradation.
Residents in the vicinity have lodged numerous complaints with authorities regarding the noxious odors emanating from the dump yard, but little to no action has been taken to address the issue. The dumping of hundreds of tons of garbage daily has led to the incineration of waste, releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere and violating environmental regulations, including GO111 norms, designed to protect sensitive ecological areas like Osman Sagar.
The dump yard, situated in Survey no. 151, Himayatnagar, is a mere stone’s throw away from Osman Sagar’s pristine waters, posing a direct threat to the lake’s biodiversity and the wellbeing of the surrounding fauna. Concerned locals recall a similar situation in Survey no. 176, where the same agency faced staunch opposition and eventual removal, highlighting the recurrent negligence of environmental safeguards in the region.
“The proximity of the dump yard to Osman Sagar is alarming,” remarked a resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “Not only are we witnessing a deterioration in air quality, but the health risks posed by respiratory illnesses are also on the rise.”
The adverse effects extend beyond the immediate vicinity, with fears mounting about the impact on wildlife habitats and the overall ecological balance of the Gandipet area. Birds and other species residing in and around Osman Sagar are particularly vulnerable to the pollution generated by the illegal dumping activities.
Efforts to mitigate the crisis have been met with bureaucratic inertia, prompting calls for urgent intervention from higher authorities to enforce environmental laws and safeguard the region’s natural heritage. The owner of the dump yard, could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
As concerns escalate and local residents grapple with the consequences of unchecked pollution, the fate of Osman Sagar hangs in the balance, underscoring the pressing need for concerted action to address the environmental degradation threatening Hyderabad’s cherished water bodies.
