Residents unite against Chemical smell in Auto Nagar near Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Several residents of Auto Nagar on Sunday hit the streets to protest against a terrible chemical smell that was affecting the park and nearby neighborhoods. Those impacted organized a rally, voicing their demands to address the Autonagar chemical smell issue.

The residents claimed that the manmade ecological disaster caused the death of 5,000 trees, over 500 Blackbucks and cheetal deer, the disappearance of many bird species, and pollution of groundwater affecting 10 nearby colonies. Additionally, more than 25,000 residents are at risk of respiratory issues due to exposure to toxic chemicals.

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The impact of the Chemical Smell crisis was evident in the transformation of the lively Harina Vanasthali National Park into a desolate setting, marred by a 15-acre chemical lake. This grim change stemmed from the unauthorized pipeline laid by TSIIC and IALA two years earlier.

Despite continuous protests and awareness-raising efforts, residents alleged that authorities' negligence has worsened the crisis. The chemical lake, formed by the release of industrial effluents mixed with chemicals from various units in Autonagar, poses a significant threat to both the ecosystem and public health.

Residents alleged that the newly built sewage treatment plant (STP) by TSIIC, aimed at resolving the issue, did not meet expectations. Constructed in August 2023, the STP processes only 20 percent of the chemical water, leaving the remaining pollutants to be diverted into the forest.

In response to the escalating crisis, a meeting was held on December 18th 2022, involving representatives from affected colonies, founders of Dha3R NGO, and officials from PCB, TSIIC, GHMC, and the Forest Department.

As a result of the meeting, GHMC and PCB issued a notice to TSIIC for the construction of a 100KLD sewage treatment plant (STP) within the next three months, with completion targeted for March 2023. The constructed STP has proven ineffective, and the problem persists, claimed the residents.

Despite building two additional STPs, the problem persisted as STPs couldn't remove chemicals from water; an ETP would have been more effective, the residents claimed. The community gathered for a protest, responding to Dha3R's call.

Prominent environmental NGOs, including Hyderabad Cycling Revolution, Visva Sustainable Foundation, Dhruvansh Foundation, Techieride, VWOLFS Foundation, Animal Warriors Conservation Society, and local colony associations, have actively joined the crucial mission, underscoring their commitment to the cause.

The Visva Sustainable Foundation had proactively cleaned up the affected area, removing plastics and debris. However, the community called for urgent action, specifically the immediate laying of a pipeline from the chemical lake to Sahara, to effectively address and resolve that pressing environmental crisis.