The Harina Vanasthali National Park in Autonagar, Hyderabad is facing a problem with contaminated water. This is causing discomfort for nearby residents. On Sunday, locals protested peacefully to express their frustration. The release of polluted water has been a recurring issue that affects the daily lives of people living nearby. They want a solution to this problem.
Manoj Vidyala, co-founder of Dha3R NGO, said that the issue is the release of chemically composed water into the forested area instead of the Musi River. Despite having a sewage water treatment plant (STP), the problem has not been solved. Only half of the polluted water goes through testing procedures, which raises concerns about its composition and potential hazards.
There is no official data on the prevalence of flu among the local population, but many people are experiencing flu-like symptoms. This poses health challenges and risks to their well-being. The recurring nature of these symptoms is a cause for concern and potential threat to the affected individuals’ health and safety.
Venkat Ankam, another co-founder of Dhar3R, said that the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) played a role in the environmental degradation. They established a sewage pipeline without authorization from governing bodies like GHMC, PCB, and the water department. This not only impacts the park but also contaminates underground water sources.
Despite guidelines from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and the construction of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) under GHMC’s guidance, the core issue remains unresolved. Only a fraction of the discharged water undergoes testing, which raises concerns about pollution and the effectiveness of measures taken.
Santhana Selvan, a participant in the protest, witnessed the situation firsthand and found it distressing. The discharge of chemical-laden water poses a serious threat to nearby residents and has adverse effects on the forest. It also causes health problems, especially for children with recurring respiratory issues. Addressing these concerns and ensuring the sustainability of water resources is crucial for the well-being of the community and the ecosystem.
