Severe Pollution Crisis in Bhadrachalam Due to Trash Burning
The temple town of Bhadrachalam, located along the banks of the Godavari River, is facing a serious environmental and health crisis. Trash is being dumped and burned unchecked, leading to severe air and water pollution. Despite repeated warnings from authorities, the problem persists, leaving residents frustrated and concerned.
For years, the town has lacked a proper dumping yard. Garbage from homes and businesses has been disposed of along the riverbank. In 2022, land near Manubothula Tank in Bhadrachalam Mandal was allocated for a dumping yard. Plans were made to separate dry and wet waste and process the dry trash into vermin-compost at a Dry Resource Collection Center (DRCC).
However, local residents claim that waste is still being dumped and burned along the river instead of being managed properly. Allegations have surfaced that workers from the local gram panchayat (GP) are responsible for burning the trash.
Prabhakar Rao, a local trader, shared his concerns with The Hans India. He said that GP workers burn garbage daily between 4 PM and 11 PM, filling the entire town with smoke. “The residents are forced to breathe in this smoke. We can’t even use fans or air conditioners as they worsen the situation,” he explained.
Rao expressed frustration that complaints to the executive officer of the gram panchayat and other higher authorities have been ignored. When police were questioned about the issue, they reportedly dismissed it by blaming “naughty individuals” for starting the fires.
Rao demanded immediate action from the ITDA Project Officer and the district collector to investigate and stop the trash burning. He called for the suspension of the gram panchayat’s executive officer if the problem persists.
He also warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, residents will escalate the matter by filing complaints with the Pollution Control Board and seeking legal action in court. The people of Bhadrachalam are determined to fight for a clean and healthy environment.
