Hyderabad Locals Intensify Opposition to Sewage Treatment Plant Construction
Residents of Ameenpur and Gandhamguda villages near Gandipet in Hyderabad have launched vigorous protests against the proposed construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in their residential neighborhoods. The communities are expressing grave concerns about potential pollution, persistent foul odors, and significant health hazards that could arise from these facilities being located too close to inhabited areas.
Massive Protest in Ameenpur Demands STP Relocation
On Saturday, Ameenpur residents organized a substantial demonstration, calling on the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to move the planned 100 million liters per day (MLD) STP to a more appropriate non-residential location. The protesters insist that the project must adhere to all applicable regulations and include proper public consultation before proceeding.
A Thirumal Reddy, president of the Ameenpur people's association, emphasized their position: "We firmly believe that such infrastructure must be situated in designated non-residential zones to minimize impact on human settlements. Installing a project of this scale in a densely populated residential area will severely degrade the quality of life for hundreds of families. We urge the water board to immediately suspend construction plans at the current site and conduct a comprehensive review that prioritizes environmental protection and public health considerations."
Gandhamguda Residents Challenge STP Construction on School Land
Meanwhile, residents of Gandhamguda village in Gandipet mandal have been raising serious objections to the ongoing construction of a 36.5 MLD STP on 6.2 acres of land. They allege that this property was originally allocated for a BC girls' residential school but has been reassigned for the sewage treatment project without sufficient public consultation.
The community points out that the project site is surrounded by densely populated residential colonies housing approximately 3,000 families. According to National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines for STP siting, such facilities must maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from residential areas, establish buffer zones, and conduct prior assessments of residents' opinions. Residents argue that the current location fails to meet these essential criteria.
S Sitharam, a resident of Vigeshwara colony in Gandhamguda, stated: "We recognize the importance of development and the necessity for sewage treatment plants. However, these projects must be planned in strict accordance with established guidelines and located away from residential colonies. We have appealed to state government authorities and local officials to halt ongoing construction and conduct a proper feasibility study to identify an alternative site that complies with environmental, zoning, and regulatory standards."
Water Board Officials Defend Project Necessity
In response to the protests, HMWSSB officials maintain that relocating the proposed sewage treatment plants is not feasible, as they are crucial for processing wastewater generated in surrounding areas. They note that several STPs are already operational within residential zones, including in Kokapet, without significant problems.
A senior HMWSSB official explained: "Foul odors are unlikely during normal operations and would only occur during rare technical disruptions. We will implement all necessary safeguards and modern treatment measures to ensure that nearby localities remain unaffected throughout the treatment process. These facilities are essential infrastructure for managing the city's wastewater effectively."
The conflict highlights the ongoing tension between urban development needs and community health concerns in Hyderabad's expanding metropolitan area.
