95 Pharma Units Slapped with Notices as Black Water Sparks Outrage in Anakapalli

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has issued show-cause notices to 95 industries operating in Parawada’s JN Pharma City in Anakapalli district, following complaints of black-coloured water flowing through drains and stormwater channels, and of foul odour in the area.

The action came after videos showing black water flowing through drains and stormwater channels near the Pharma City were circulated on social media on Friday, triggering concerns over possible pollution from industrial units.

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan took note of the issue and directed APPCB officials to conduct an inspection and submit a comprehensive report on the alleged pollution.

Following these directions, APPCB officials inspected several locations in and around the Pharma City and collected water samples from drains and stormwater channels for analysis.

Based on the inspection, the pollution control board issued show-cause notices to all 95 industries functioning within the Pharma City limits, seeking their explanations regarding the alleged discharge of untreated wastewater and other pollutants into the drainage system.

The industries have been given seven days to submit their replies to the board.

The APPCB has also directed the industries to take immediate corrective measures to ensure that untreated wastewater and hazardous waste are not discharged outside their premises.

Officials are expected to examine the industries’ responses, along with the results of the samples collected during the inspections, before deciding on further action.