Hyderabad, September 12, 2024 – In a significant step towards addressing environmental and public health concerns, Mr. Ravi Gugulothu, Member Secretary of the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TPCB), has ordered a detailed investigation into the harmful effects of a local dumping yard. Under the directives of the Dumping Yard Joint Action Committee (JAC), a booklet outlining the adverse effects of the dump yard on 18 lakh people’s health and the environment was submitted to Mr. Gugulothu.The dumping yard has been linked to the pollution of water bodies, agricultural land, and air, with reports of livestock deaths and health hazards in nearby communities. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously issued orders to shift the dumping yard to three alternative locations.Mr. Gugulothu acknowledged the urgency of the situation and instructed officials to thoroughly examine the matter and submit a report. Prominent attendees included Dr. B. Shankar Narayanan, Enugu Sanjeeva Reddy, and Karava Shankar Neeta, representing concerned citizens and experts.The initiative, coordinated by Rangula Shankar, State Spokesperson for the BJP OBC Morcha, aims to protect the environment and ensure public health is not compromised by the continued operation of the dumping yard.