TGPCB panel calls for action against construction companies over environmental violations

The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB)’s task force committee has recommended the closure of four construction projects in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts for carrying out construction activities without obtaining consent for establishment.

It has also recommended the closure of a captive ready mix concrete (RMC) plant operating without consent and adequate pollution control measures.

The recommendations followed inspections by the board’s Rolling Task Force teams in response to complaints of air pollution caused by construction activity. The inspections revealed several violations, including inadequate dust-control measures, improper storage and disposal of construction waste, and excessive noise levels.

The committee reviewed the compliance status of 18 construction projects at a meeting held at the TGPCB head office on Wednesday. Regional Officers, Task Force teams and representatives of the construction projects concerned attended the meeting.

The inspections found that several projects had failed to provide wind-breaking walls of at least 10 metres in height. Dust accumulation on internal roads and surrounding streets, inadequate sprinkling of water, and open storage of sand and construction debris were also reported.

Other violations included improper disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, failure to maintain records of waste disposal, use of MS (Mild Steel) drum chutes instead of HDPE chutes, and ambient noise levels exceeding the prescribed daytime commercial limit of 65 dB(A), a statement from TGPCB informed.

The committee recommended environmental compensation for projects with major violations and forfeiture of bank guarantees in cases involving minor violations. It also directed non-compliant projects to rectify the deficiencies within 10 days, the statement said, without naming the violators.

The committee recommended stoppage of construction activities at another project for non-compliance. The board will initiate further action based on the recommendations.