Jawaharnagar ranks 4 in methane emissions

• ■ Groundwater contaminated, air polluted
• ■ Severe pollution within 30 km of Jawaharnagar dumping yard
• ■ Methane gas adds to residents’ woes
• ■ Residents launch fight to remove dumping yard
• ■ MP Eatala to meet affected people today

metro india news I hyderabad

The Jawaharnagar dumping yard according to a survey by the University of California, ranks fourth among the world's top 25 waste management sites across 18 countries in terms of methane emissions. Buenos Aires in Argentina tops the list, followed by Jakarta in Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

It does not come as a surprise as the dump yard had contaminated groundwater and polluted the air across an area extending nearly 30 km. Residents are struggling to breathe clean air due to excessive waste dumping and poor management of the facility.

Despite repeated appeals to relocate the dumping yard, residents say successive governments, including the previous BRS government and the present Congress government, have failed to address the problem. The decomposing waste reportedly generates around six tonnes of methane gas daily, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Down in the dumps

The dumping yard was established on 339 acres in Jawaharnagar in 1990 to handle a relatively small quantity of local waste. Over the years, it has become the destination for waste generated across Hyderabad, serving a population of around 16 million.

Nearly 7,000 tonnes of garbage are dumped at the site every day, creating massive waste heaps. Decomposing garbage generates methane, while rainwater percolating through the waste produces toxic leachate. Residents allege that the leachate spreads through the ground over distances of 20–25 km, contaminating borewell water.

Pollution from the dumping yard is reportedly causing health problems, particularly respiratory ailments. People in several localities have opposed the establishment of dumping yards in their areas, resulting in much of the city's waste being transported to Jawaharnagar. Around 500 vehicles reportedly arrive at the facility daily. Its connectivity to the Outer Ring Road has further increased the burden on local residents.

Ramky accused of negligence

Ramky, the agency responsible for operating the facility, has been accused of failing to take adequate measures to control pollution.

Several localities, including Karmikanagar, Army Dental College area, Sriramnagar, Gabbilalapet, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Pragathi Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, Dammaiguda, Cheriyal, Bandlaguda, Ahmedguda, Rampally, Nagaram, Double Bedroom housing complexes and Haridasupally, are reportedly affected. Residents say pollution is spreading to areas farther away as well.

Governments accused of inaction

Residents have long demanded the removal of the dumping yard, alleging that it is endangering lives. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who earlier represented the area as an MP, had opposed the dumping yard. However, residents say the problem remains unresolved despite his becoming Chief Minister.

Local residents have formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC) and organised protests for several months, but allege that the authorities have failed to respond.

Eatala Rajender to lead campaign

MP Eatala Rajender has decided to launch a campaign demanding the removal of the Jawaharnagar dumping yard. He plans to begin a padyatra on October 27.

He will meet affected residents in Jawaharnagar on October 23 and hold a meeting with intellectuals on October 25. He intends to gather public opinion and bring different sections together to intensify the campaign.