Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) dumps Hussainsagar lake waste in Bachupally; adverse effects feared
Throwing caution to the wind, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has been found to be dumping pollutants dredged from the Hussainsagar lake in the Bachupally area. Tons of such pollutants were allegedly dumped in a desolate stone quarry, near the thickly-populated Bachupally area.
HDMA goes ahead with dumping inspite of objections raised:
This five-acre piece of land was selected by the HDMA for dumping waste despite the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board objecting to the same. Objections were raised due to the fact that scientific studies were not carried out at the land under scrutiny to determine the impact of the dumping of waste on the groundwater. With the government unable to propose an alternative dumping land, the onus was on the HDMA to wriggle out of this imbroglio.
Research agency entrusted with conducting feasibility study:
Subsequently, the HDMA entrusted a national research institute based in the city to carry out a feasibility study regarding dumping of waste in the disputed site. A preliminary study by the research agency in July, 2013 revealed that it was safe to dump non-toxic sediments. However, it was suggested that a comprehensive assessment be carried out after the monsoon season. This was due to the fact that there would be considerable change in the ground-water conditions post-monsoon in Hyderabad.
Details regarding proposed tests of the study:
The study that was proposed to be conducted by the agency included tests on infiltration of waste, contamination of ground water as well as electrical resistivity tomography studies, besides many others. These preliminary tests were proposed to be conducted after the monsoons. This was to be followed by another study to determine the changes in the ground water. Besides, it was also recommended to drill five observation wells for constant monitoring of the ground water, which was ignored by the HDMA. During the rains, the wells would have captured seasonal changes in the sediment ground water interaction.
Kukatpally nala found to be toxic:
There are three main nalas that feed into the Hussainsagar lake, that have been selected for dredging. They are the Balkapur, Kukatpally and Picket nalas. The sediments from the Balkapur and Picket nalas have been classified as non-toxic, while those from the Kukatpally nala were found to be extremely toxic. Environmentalists are of the opinion that unless the flow of waste into the nalas stops, dredging would not be effective. Sewage and other waste matter get diverted into these nalas due to the presence of many polluting industries in the vicinity.
HDMA defends its action:
The HDMA authorities defended the action taken by stating that the sediments taken from dredging were tested and found to contain no contaminating particles. Besides, it was also stated that dumping was carried out only after the State Pollution Control Board had given its approval. Moreover, the research agency which had conducted the tests had already given the green signal to HDMA, and hence it was felt that no further tests were required.
