AP Govt Warns Industries Against Environmental Violations, Pollution
Mangalagiri, May 20 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests, Environment and Science & Technology Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday warned industries against violating environmental norms and said the State government would not compromise on public health and environmental protection in the name of industrial growth.
Reviewing pollution-related issues with senior officials of the Pollution Control Board at his camp office in Mangalagiri, the Deputy Chief Minister said industries must strictly comply with government regulations relating to pollution control, green belt development and noise management.
Pawan Kalyan observed that certain industries were allegedly prioritising profits while ignoring environmental standards and causing pollution in residential areas.
He directed the Pollution Control Board to move beyond routine reporting and take stringent action against industries found violating environmental norms.
He stressed that Supreme Court guidelines and Central Pollution Control Board regulations on noise pollution must be implemented strictly across industrial, commercial, residential and sensitive zones.
He also stated that no exemptions would be granted even to religious or cultural institutions regarding prescribed sound limits.
Referring to complaints related to mining activities near habitations, the Deputy Chief Minister said residents were facing serious health issues and property damage due to blasting operations.
He directed officials to ensure strict enforcement of environmental standards prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board and the National Green Tribunal.
In a move aimed at improving transparency, Pawan Kalyan suggested involving affected residents in Pollution Control Board inspection teams during field visits so that pollution-related grievances could be addressed more effectively.
The Deputy Chief Minister also expressed concern over allegations from Nellore district that certain “White Category” industries, officially classified as non-polluting, were releasing foul odours and chemical waste.
He instructed authorities to investigate the complaints thoroughly and direct industries to adopt technology to minimise odour pollution.
Highlighting pollution in the Gosthani River, he said water samples collected from Vendru village in Palakoderu mandal showed Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels of 15 mg/l, nearly five times above permissible limits.
He directed officials to deploy drones and video surveillance to identify industries allegedly discharging untreated sewage and chemical effluents into the river.
Pawan Kalyan also reviewed implementation of the National Clean Air Programme and said the initiative aimed to reduce hazardous particulate matter levels by up to 40 per cent in the country’s most polluted cities. He noted that 13 cities in Andhra Pradesh had been selected under the programme and around Rs 400 crore allocated for implementation.
Officials also informed the Deputy Chief Minister about staff shortages in the Pollution Control Board, following which he instructed officials to process the relevant proposals for strengthening manpower.
TNT KM
