Industrial pollution is choking Hyderabad’s gated communities, with residents of Nacharam, Nallagandla, and Patancheru voicing serious concerns over deteriorating air quality. These areas, home to affluent residential complexes like Raheja Vistas and My Home Avatar, are grappling with thick black smog, noise pollution, and toxic odours emanating from nearby industries. Residents report frequent upper respiratory infections, with hospitals witnessing increased cases linked to poor air quality. Many families now avoid outdoor activities, seeking refuge indoors from the hazardous environment.
In Nacharam, promises to relocate polluting industries have remained unfulfilled, leaving residents like retired banker Mr. Rao distressed. “We were assured these industries would move, but the smog keeps us awake at night. Everyone here, including children and elderly, suffers from respiratory issues,” he shared. Across the city, protests against a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant near My Home Avatar have highlighted similar grievances. Approximately 12,000 residents in the vicinity report severe health impacts and have repeatedly sought intervention from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) without resolution.
From a civic perspective, the unchecked industrial activity near residential zones highlights significant regulatory gaps. While the TSPCB acknowledges complaints, its officials claim jurisdictional limitations tied to court orders. This has sparked frustration among residents, who see little progress despite filing numerous grievances with local authorities and elected leaders. As urbanisation accelerates in Hyderabad, the clash between industrial and residential zones continues to escalate, with citizens bearing the brunt.
A sustainable resolution demands a stricter implementation of pollution norms and better urban planning to segregate industrial zones. Measures like enhanced green belts, regular air quality monitoring, and technology upgrades for cleaner industrial processes are essential. If Hyderabad is to balance growth with livability, prioritising the health and safety of its residents must become a collective focus.
