Hyderabad: True development is possible only with clean air, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said on Thursday. He emphasised that the Telangana government is pursuing a scientifically driven, clear strategy. This aims to ensure a healthy environment for all residents.
Government prioritises clean air in development goals
Speaking at a state-level conference on “Air Quality Index and Air Quality Management” held at the Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute (MCRHRD), Bhatti said the administration, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, remains firmly committed to improving air quality.
He stressed that clean air is central to building a healthy Telangana. While the State is among India’s fastest-growing, Hyderabad is evolving into a global hub for IT, life sciences, and manufacturing. However, Bhatti cautioned that economic growth must not compromise environmental safety.
“Development and environmental protection must progress together,” he said. He described clean air not only as an environmental concern but also as a key public health, productivity, and economic factor.
To support sustainable growth, the government is investing heavily in reservoir rejuvenation, natural resource conservation, and pollution reduction. Bhatti warned that without clean air, development becomes “delayed damage.”
He cited data presented at the event, noting that industrial activity contributes up to 32% of air pollution in some areas. Although steps have been taken to manage particulate matter, he urged increased focus on pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Urban sprawl places residents near pollution hotspots
Bhatti drew attention to Jeedimetla and other industrial zones within the Outer Ring Road (ORR). These zones, once situated on Hyderabad’s outskirts, are now surrounded by residential areas. As a result, residents face heightened health and safety risks.
He warned that industrial accidents in such mixed-use areas could cause large-scale disasters. To prevent this, he called for zoning reforms, land-use changes, and industrial restructuring.
To improve pollution response, Bhatti announced that special teams will be piloted in two Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) zones. Depending on their success, the initiative could extend across the State.
మర్రి చెన్నారెడ్డి మానవ వనరుల అభివృద్ధి విభాగం (MCRHRD) లో
“గాలి నాణ్యత సూచీ మరియు గాలి నాణ్యత నిర్వహణ” అంశంపై ఏర్పాటు చేసిన సదస్సులో పాల్గొన్నాను.పరిశుభ్రమైన గాలితోనే నిజమైన అభివృద్ధి సాధ్యమని సీఎం రేవంత్ రెడ్డి గారి నాయకత్వంలో రాష్ట్ర ప్రజలకు స్వచ్ఛమైన వాతావరణం కల్పించేందుకు… pic.twitter.com/ewKXyTXela
— Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu (@Bhatti_Mallu) January 29, 2026