Ramky gets NHRC and GHMC notices to stop dumping waste at graveyard in Macha Bollaram

Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a stern directive to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the private agency Ramky, ordering an immediate halt to municipal waste dumping at the graveyard in Macha Bollaram.

Labelling the practice a ‘violation of human rights’ and an ‘affront to the dignity of the deceased,’ the Commission expressed grave concern over the environmental and health risks posed to the local community.

The NHRC has directed the District Collector of Medchal–Malkajgiri and the Commissioner of GHMC to ensure that no waste transfer or storage occurs within or adjacent to the sacred site.

The ruling follows months of local agitation and high-profile political protests against the unscientific management of solid waste in the residential pocket.

What did the NHRC say?

The NHRC stated that these directions were issued after considering continuous complaints from residents of various colonies, a detailed examination of the status of the land, the existing graves, the adjacent lake and the surrounding residential colonies, along with reports submitted by the District Administration and GHMC authorities.

Based on this comprehensive inquiry, the Commission concluded that the ongoing dumping activities are unacceptable and directed strict corrective action.

Move to protect public health and religious sanctity

Following the NHRC’s directions, Macha Bollaram Joint Action Committee President BS Uday Prakash has urged the District Collector and the GHMC Commissioner to immediately stop all dumping-related activities in compliance with the NHRC orders.

General secretary of JAC Sudhakar Padala said, “Residents are demanding strict and time-bound implementation of NHRC directions to protect public health, religious sanctity and dignity of the deceased.”

The controversy at Macha Bollaram is rooted in a dispute over land use, public health and religious sanctity.

What is the land dispute?

The site, near Motukula Kunta Lake, comprises approximately 15.19 acres of land historically designated for a Hindu cemetery. However, residents allege that the GHMC and its concessionaire, Ramky (now Re Sustainability Limited), began using a portion of this land as a ‘mini-transfer station.’

While the agency was reportedly allotted only two acres for its operations, inspections by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) suggested that nearly 4 to 5 acres had been encroached upon, with illegal structures raised on the graveyard premises.

Environmental crisis from indiscriminate dumping

The local community, organised under the Macha Bollaram Residents Welfare Joint Action Committee (RWJAC), has long complained of:

1. Unbearable Stench: Massive piles of waste left the area smelling like a rot yard, affecting over 30 surrounding colonies.

2. Disease Outbreaks: Residents reported a surge in respiratory issues, skin diseases, and mosquito-borne illnesses.

3. Groundwater Contamination: Leachate from the unscientific dumping began seeping into the soil, threatening the local water table and nearby water bodies.

Political and civic protests

The issue gained momentum in early 2025 through several high-profile interventions:

Sit-in Protests: Malkajgiri MLA Marri Rajasekhar Reddy famously staged a protest by sitting amidst the garbage for hours to highlight the plight of the residents.

Political Support: MP Eatala Rajender and other local leaders visited the site, pressuring the government to relocate the transfer station away from residential zones and sacred grounds.

HYDRAA Inspection: In April 2025, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath inspected the site, confirming the encroachments and ordering a temporary halt to construction.

Desecration of sacred ground

The most sensitive aspect of the conflict was the physical encroachment of waste onto burial spots. Residents lamented that they were forced to perform final rites for their loved ones in the middle of filth and stench, leading to the eventual NHRC petition that culminated in this week's stoppage order.