Air Pollution Control in Telangana

Summary of Air Pollution Control Measures in Telangana

1. Oversight Body:

   • The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) is the governing body responsible for addressing pollution complaints in the region.

2. Complaints Received:

   • Multiple complaints regarding air pollution due to dust emissions from construction projects in Tellapur and Kollur, Sangareddy district.

3. Formation of Task Force:

   • TGPCB constituted Rolling Task Force Teams to assess compliance with environmental regulations and implement air pollution control measures.

4. Inspections Conducted:

   • Task Force carried out inspections of 16 construction projects.
   • Observed aggravated air pollution primarily due to dust emissions from construction activities.

5. Identified Violations:

   • Numerous violations of environmental norms were found during inspections.
   • Recommended issuing of closure orders for projects with serious violations and the forfeiture of bank guarantees.

6. Closure Orders Recommended:

   • Three construction projects started operations without obtaining necessary Consent for Establishment (CFE) from TGPCB.
   • Two additional projects were found to be operating in violation of previously issued suspension orders without the Board's permission.

7. Specific Cases:

   • A Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant associated with a construction project was operating without obtaining Consent for Operation (CFO) and lacked adequate air pollution control measures.
   • The Task Force recommended the closure of this RMC plant as well.

8. Compliance Time Frame:

   • A period of 10 days was allocated for concerned projects to rectify the identified violations.

Key Points:

• TGPCB played a crucial role in enforcing environmental compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions regarding air quality management.
• Emphasis on the necessity of obtaining appropriate consents (CFE and CFO) before commencing construction operations.
• Recommended actions align with environmental protection mandates set forth in the Constitution of India, which emphasizes the right to a healthy environment as an integral part of the right to life (Article 21).