No compromise on pollution in Visakhapatnam, says MP Sribharat
Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat on Friday said there would be no compromise on pollution that threatens public health. He said the city must pursue industrial growth without compromising environmental sustainability.
Mr. Sribharat made the remarks after attending a high-level review meeting on air pollution control chaired by Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairman Krishnaiah.
The meeting reviewed the city’s air quality and outlined a series of measures to reduce pollution from industries and the transport sector. Officials asked major polluting industries to submit detailed action plans within 60 to 90 days. They must also submit monthly progress reports on the implementation of pollution-control measures.
To improve air quality monitoring, the authorities decided to install three advanced air quality monitoring stations and six additional ambient air quality monitoring stations across the city. Mr. Sribharat urged the authorities to make the monitoring data publicly available to improve transparency and encourage greater public participation.
Officials warned that they would take strict action against industries that violate environmental regulations. They said persistent violations could lead to the suspension of operations under the law.
To reduce dust pollution, the meeting made it mandatory for trucks carrying bulk materials to transport fully covered loads. It also urged industries to repair roads damaged by industrial traffic through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The meeting reviewed the high pollution levels recorded during November and December last year. Officials decided to launch preventive measures well before the onset of winter to reduce the risk of severe smog.
Mr. Sribharat said industries play a vital role in the region’s economic growth but stressed that protecting public health must remain the top priority. He called for coordinated efforts by the government, industries and citizens to make Visakhapatnam one of India’s leading green cities.
He added that the authorities would hold review meetings every three to six months to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, Visakhapatnam West MLA Ganababu, Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, District Collector Abhishek Kishore, Joint Collector Vidyadhari, APPCB members Dr. Bhagavatula Sandeep and Panchakarla Sandeep, and representatives of industries and various government departments participated in the meeting.