Hyderabad: A Zaheerabad chemical factory has faced a complaint before the National Green Tribunal after residents of four villages alleged toxic emissions and improper waste disposal. Villagers said the pollution had affected their daily lives, groundwater and farmland.
Residents of Burdhipad, Kothur-B, Tunkunta and Didiki alleged that Vaijayanti Chemical Lab, located on the outskirts of Burdhipad and Kothur-B, released strong-smelling smoke at night. They said the emissions caused breathing difficulties for children and adults.
According to the villagers, the situation worsened after dark. They alleged that the factory released pungent smoke that spread towards nearby habitations.
Farmers also alleged that the unit discharged chemical waste into streams and drainage channels, particularly during rainfall. They claimed the discharge had contaminated groundwater in the surrounding areas.
The farmers said borewell water had become unsuitable for drinking. They also alleged that agricultural fields had suffered damage because of the suspected contamination.
Zaheerabad chemical factory faces allegations over water pollution
The villagers questioned how authorities allowed the facility to operate near forest land and agricultural fields. They alleged that such a hazardous unit should have operated in a designated red zone.
Residents also expressed concern over possible risks to birds and animals in the nearby forest area. In addition, they feared that pollution could affect the waters of the Narangi project near Kothur.
The villagers said they had repeatedly brought the alleged pollution to the attention of the concerned authorities. However, they claimed officials had not taken effective action.
Consequently, residents approached the National Green Tribunal after their complaints received no satisfactory response. They filed their complaint before the NGT Southern Zone in Chennai on the 22nd of this month.
The tribunal registered the matter as OA/135(SZ)/2026. It also listed 11 respondents, including the Union Environment Ministry and the State Pollution Control Board.
The villagers alleged that authorities had granted permissions in violation of applicable rules. They said their campaign would continue until authorities moved the chemical factory away from their villages.
The residents continued to demand action over the alleged emissions, waste discharge and environmental risks surrounding the facility.