Hyderabadis say they’ve had it with poor air, water quality

More than 60 per cent of Hyderabadis are not happy with the quality of air they breathe and water they get to drink in the city.

The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri)’s Environmental Survey 2013 for different cities, which was released this week, ends up documenting a high level of disenchantment with the environment quality in Hyderabad. Around 68 per cent of those surveyed here for the study felt the air quality had deteriorated over the last five years and almost 60 per cent said the same about drinking water.

Among the sources of pollution, construction activity was seen as a major contributor by 62 per cent followed by vehicular emissions (61 per cent) and emissions from nearby factories (44 per cent).

Growing apprehensions over the impact of pollution on health were documented and the survey had over 70 per cent citing air pollution as a major cause of diseases and another 20 per cent looking at air pollution as one of the many causes of modern day health issues.

A high majority of respondents (67 per cent) called for steps to enhance and promote public transport as a strategy to check the rising air pollution levels in the city. Concerns were also noted among the citizens on wastage of water, with 77 per cent blaming leakages during water distribution.

Is climate change happening?

Yes, happens to be the majority opinion. As per the Teri survey, 60 per cent respondents felt that the climate change ‘is’ occurring and another 15 per cent that the change ‘may be’ happening. Concerns on this resonated among all sections of society, from unemployed to daily wage earners to salaried persons. Among different climatic factors, most reported experiencing change in temperature followed by precipitation and extreme events.

Apprehensions have also been raised over improper solid waste management impacting health with 32 per cent fearing ‘very severe’ health impact and 39 per cent looking at the impact being ‘severe’. To address the growing problems of waste generation and its transportation and scientific disposal, most called for reduction, followed by segregation at source, the Teri report added.