Hyderabad: Residents of Ameenpur and Gandhamguda near Gandipet have raised strong objections to the proposed construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in their localities, citing concerns over pollution, foul odour and potential health risks.On Saturday, Ameenpur residents staged a large protest demanding that the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) relocate the proposed 100 million litres per day (MLD) STP to a suitable non-residential area, in compliance with applicable norms and with proper public consultation.“We strongly believe that such facilities must be located in appropriate non-residential zones, ensuring minimal impact on human habitation. A project of this nature in a densely populated residential area will adversely affect the quality of life of hundreds of families. We request the water board to immediately halt the planned construction of the STP at the current location and conduct a detailed review of the site, considering environmental and public health aspects,” said A Thirumal Reddy, president of the Ameenpur people’s association.Residents of Gandhamguda village in Gandipet mandal have also been raising serious objections to the ongoing construction of a 36.5 MLD STP on 6.2 acres. They allege that the land, which was earlier earmarked for a BC girls’ residential school, has been reassigned for the project without adequate public consultation.According to them, the project site is located amidst densely populated residential colonies comprising nearly 3,000 families. Residents point out that, as per National Green Tribunal (NGT)-referred STP siting guidelines, such facilities are required to maintain a minimum distance of 500 metres from inhabited residential areas, along with provision for buffer zones and prior assessment of residents’ views. They state that the current site does not meet these criteria.“We support development and the need for STPs. However, such projects must be planned in accordance with established guidelines and located away from residential colonies. We have appealed to the state govt and local authorities to halt the ongoing construction and conduct a proper feasibility study to identify an alternative site that complies with environmental, zoning and regulatory norms,” said S Sitharam, a resident of Vigeshwara colony, Gandhamguda.However, officials maintain that relocating the proposed sewage treatment plants is not feasible, as they are critical for processing wastewater generated in surrounding areas. They pointed out that several STPs are already functioning within residential zones, including in Kokapet, without major issues.“Foul odour is unlikely under normal operations and would only occur during rare technical disruptions. All necessary safeguards and modern treatment measures will be implemented to ensure that nearby localities are not affected during the treatment process,” said a senior HMWSSB official.
