Hyderabad: GHMC appointed contractors are surreptitiously dumping debris on lake-beds, playgrounds, open spaces, roads and nallas during the late hours. The GHMC pays Rs 1500 to contractors to clear the debris, however, owing to dearth of dumping yards and no check on the contractors’ activities, the debris is dumped at odd places such as near railway tracks, grave yards, and catchment areas. Currently, the road connecting Mettuguda to Tarnaka is packed with construction waste.
The civic body is also getting rid of construction waste by dumping it in illegally constructed cellars. Mr Singireddy Srinivas Reddy, TD floor leader, said, “The GHMC spends Rs 60 lakh by paying contractors to do the job. However, there is no check as to where the waste is being dumped. Night after night tonnes of waste is dumped near railway tracks or open spaces. The GHMC was advised to purchase trippers and vehicles from JNURM funding so that the disposal job is done by the GHMC, however, the civic body still depends on contractors.”
Experts suggest that GHMC can store the debris, which is an excellent filling material, and use it for laying of roads in surrounding districts like and on the outskirts of the city in coordination with Road and Buildings Department.
Members of the resident welfare association say, “Construction debris in Hyderabad is choking roads, wetlands and green areas and the problem gets worse every year. Many private property owners add to the problem by handing over the work of demolition and cleaning up to contractors, without bothering to check where the contractor is dumping the construction waste. The GHMC spends crores for desilting. When the nalas are cleared, where does the sand come from unless debris is dumped illegally?”
