Visakhapatnam industries face 90-day deadline to submit pollution control plans
The district administration of Visakhapatnam convened a high-level review meeting on air pollution on Friday, directing industries identified as major contributors to pollution to submit time-bound action plans. Officials warned that stringent action would be taken against those failing to comply with environmental norms.
The meeting was chaired by Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) chairman P. Krishnaiah. Representatives from around 18 industries, along with MP M. Sribharat, MLAs Palla Srinivasa Rao, P.G.V.R. Naidu and P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, District Collector M. Abhishikt Kishore, and senior APPCB officials attended the meeting.
During the meeting, industries identified as pollution sources were directed to submit comprehensive written action plans within 60 to 90 days, detailing measures to reduce pollution. They were also instructed to submit monthly progress reports to facilitate continuous monitoring.
Public representatives pointed out that improper handling of conveyor belts, uncovered cargo vehicles, and inadequate dust suppression measures were among the major causes of air pollution in the city. They stressed that industries whose heavy vehicles damage roads should bear the responsibility of repairing them. Considering the large concentration of industries in North Andhra, legislators suggested strengthening the APPCB's Visakhapatnam office by posting senior officials locally for better monitoring and enforcement.
To reduce dust pollution from transportation, authorities decided that all trucks carrying coal, minerals, and other bulk cargo must ensure their loads are completely covered during transit. Emphasis was also placed on strict adherence to pollution control measures during cargo handling operations.
“While the Government is fully committed to supporting industrial growth and investment, strict action will be taken against industries that violate environmental norms. If necessary, operations of non-compliant industries will also be suspended in accordance with the law,” Mr Sribharat said. He added that implementation of pollution control measures would be closely monitored, and comprehensive review meetings would be held once every three months to assess progress and ensure accountability.
Responding to questions on a recent red dust pollution incident in One Town, Mr Sribharat said preliminary investigations revealed gaps in a conveyor belt system as the cause, and action had already been initiated against the company concerned. He noted that dust pollution was largely associated with smaller cargo handling operators who had yet to adopt mechanised systems. The Visakhapatnam Port Authority has directed such operators to complete mechanisation within six months, he added.
Mr Sribharat also announced that the city's air quality monitoring network would be strengthened. In addition to the existing Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station, three more advanced continuous monitoring stations and six additional ambient air quality monitoring stations would be established across Visakhapatnam. The data from these stations would be made available to the public, he said.
Mr Palla Srinivasa Rao advocated permanent structural measures to control pollution, including the development of extensive green belts proportional to industrial land holdings and the construction of boundary walls of at least 20 feet in height around industrial premises to minimise the spread of coal dust and airborne particulate matter into residential areas.
