Stresses on waste management practices
In a recently held review meeting with the pollution control board in Mangalagiri, the state’s deputy chief minister Mr Pawan Kalyan directed officials to closely monitor the major polluting industries in the state and has urged all industrial units to be environmentally friendly.
The officials in the meeting apprised the deputy CM of the various activities of the Pollution Control Board, the policies being followed for pollution control as well as told him of the statistics related to water, air and noise pollution.
‘Industries should be environment-friendly’ said Mr Kalyan and cited the ‘Environment App’, website has been made available, regarding environment related matters, about pollution and it’s effects.
Pharma Cos in Parwada
Speaking on industrial waste he said that due to lack of proper effluent treatment plants industrial waste is being dumped into sea without treatment and that this poses a threat to marine life and fishermen. Mr Kalyan quoted the problems faced by the people of Tadi village due to Pharma companies based in Parwada.
He also spoke about waste water management and stressed on the need to bring awareness regarding the disposal of waste generated in the construction sector in accordance with the rules.
Other Industries
Cement companies were too ordered to give a report on the extent to which environmental regulations are being implemented.
Sea erosion was also discussed as a concern and it was said that 31 percent of the state’s coast has been eroded. Officials explained that about 70 km of sea has been eroded in the combined East Godavari district.
Uppada coastal was quoted as an example and a study has been ordered with experts on sea erosion, consequences and measures to be taken to prevent erosion.
The officials further informed that Veerabhadra Exports Company located in Gurjanapalli, Kakinada, district was issued show cause notices for violating environmental regulations.
‘This company has been producing 56 tonnes per day, against the permits for 25 tonnes which actually requires 11 acres of more land to work with such capacity’ noted the pollution control board.
In addition officials said that waste management is also not being properly handled and the waste is being bypassed.
The deputy chief minister said that farmers in that area are worried about this and he demanded an explanation within 15 days from the date of issue of show cause notice and for an in-depth investigation for the violation of rules.
He opined that the state should be a part of Prime Minister Modi’s goal of Vikasita Bharat 2047 and should be at the forefront in reducing carbon emissions.
Member Secretary of Pollution Control Board Mr. B. Sridhar, Chief Officers of the Board Mr. N.V. Bhaskara Rao, and others also participated in this meeting.
