HYDERABAD: The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has issued directions to Vishu Chemicals, located at Gaddapotharam in the city outskirts, to clear the hazardous waste causing pollution. The landfill where the industry dumps its waste is reported to contain over two lakh tonnes of chromium lying around.
Vishnu Chemicals is a manufacturer of basic chromium sulphate, sodium di-chromate and yellow sodim sulphate. In 1999, the industry had obtained permission to process sludge at Gaddipotharam, which is located around 500 metres from the factory premises, for secured storage after treatment. In 2009, the industry had submitted an action plan for capping and closure of the existing landfill at Gaddipotharam.
The industry has now been asked to transfer all hazardous waste from the sire to the centralised treatment storage and disposal facility (TSDF).
In 2018, the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) had carried out a study and given recommendations to control seepage collection in the sump. The pollution board had also issued directions to the industries association in Kazipally and Gaddipotharam to control seepage, however, nothing has been done on the ground. Despite repeated assurances, no action has been taken which has endangered the lives of those residing around the site.
Following a complaint by P Damodar Reddy to the pollution board’s task force, the PCB has now ordered the immediate shifting of entire chemical sludge to TSDF. “Presently, the chemical dump has more than two lakh tonnes of waste,” Reddy said in his complaint.
In its latest order on June 30, the TSPCB said: “The industry shall lift the hazardous waste stored in the secured off-site landfill to TSDF. The industry shall furnish action plant with specific timelines to lift the hazardous waste to TSDF in 15 days.” Locals have also demanded that Vishnu Chemicals move the chromium waste from the site in order to prevent health complications.
Vishnu Chemicals is a manufacturer of basic chromium sulphate, sodium di-chromate and yellow sodim sulphate. In 1999, the industry had obtained permission to process sludge at Gaddipotharam, which is located around 500 metres from the factory premises, for secured storage after treatment. In 2009, the industry had submitted an action plan for capping and closure of the existing landfill at Gaddipotharam.
The industry has now been asked to transfer all hazardous waste from the sire to the centralised treatment storage and disposal facility (TSDF).
In 2018, the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) had carried out a study and given recommendations to control seepage collection in the sump. The pollution board had also issued directions to the industries association in Kazipally and Gaddipotharam to control seepage, however, nothing has been done on the ground. Despite repeated assurances, no action has been taken which has endangered the lives of those residing around the site.
Following a complaint by P Damodar Reddy to the pollution board’s task force, the PCB has now ordered the immediate shifting of entire chemical sludge to TSDF. “Presently, the chemical dump has more than two lakh tonnes of waste,” Reddy said in his complaint.
In its latest order on June 30, the TSPCB said: “The industry shall lift the hazardous waste stored in the secured off-site landfill to TSDF. The industry shall furnish action plant with specific timelines to lift the hazardous waste to TSDF in 15 days.” Locals have also demanded that Vishnu Chemicals move the chromium waste from the site in order to prevent health complications.
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