BJP MP Eatala Rajender Launches Padayatra Seeking Relocation Of Jawahar Nagar Dumpyard
He claimed that leachate from the Jawahar Nagar dumpyard was causing fish deaths in the lake, while livestock were falling ill after drinking its water. Contaminated water and toxic air from the dumpyard were contributing to a rise in kidney diseases, respiratory ailments and skin problems, he alleged
Hyderabad: BJP MP Eatala Rajender on Tuesday launched a padayatra here, demanding the relocation of the Jawahar Nagar dumpyard over the health hazards it allegedly poses to people living in nearby areas.Rajender, the Lok Sabha member from Malkajgiri, began the padayatra after offering prayers at the Lord Ranganatha temple in Yedulabad.
The foot march will cover 60 km over four days.
During a visit to Yedulabad lake, Rajender addressed a gathering and said the waterbody had once been a source of livelihood for fishermen.
He claimed that leachate from the Jawahar Nagar dumpyard was causing fish deaths in the lake, while livestock were falling ill after drinking its water. Contaminated water and toxic air from the dumpyard were contributing to a rise in kidney diseases, respiratory ailments and skin problems, he alleged.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who had earlier represented Malkajgiri in the Lok Sabha, had filed cases in the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). However, despite becoming the CM, he had not taken any concrete steps to address the problems caused by the dumpyard, Rajender alleged.
He said the state government should prepare a project report for environmentally friendly waste disposal and prevent the accumulation of tonnes of solid waste at Jawahar Nagar.
Rajender demanded that the government establish multiple dumpyards in non-residential areas around Hyderabad. The dumpyard problem could be resolved by spending around Rs 3,000 crore, he said.
State BJP president N Ramchander Rao, who expressed solidarity with Rajender, said the NGT had previously issued directives to the government, including measures to regulate waste dumping.
The government should explain whether these directives had been implemented, he said.
Pollution, foul odour and water contamination had become unbearable, affecting not only Jawahar Nagar but also other parts of the city, including Tarnaka and Osmania University, Rao claimed.
Recalling his visit to a waste-to-energy plant in Okhla, New Delhi, Rao said it operated scientifically and in an environmentally friendly manner, while alleging that even basic rules were not being followed at the Jawahar Nagar dumpyard.
The BJP would continue its agitation until the dumpyard was relocated from Jawahar Nagar, he added.
The Jawahar Nagar dumpyard receives around 8,000 tonnes of garbage every day.
Revanth Reddy had earlier suggested that officials establish four dumpyards on the outskirts of Hyderabad, away from residential areas.