VPA Strengthens Air Quality Checks

The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has expanded its ambient air quality monitoring network with the commissioning of three new Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) at Akkayyapalem, Pandurangapuram and Malkapuram, taking the total number of such stations operated by the port authority to six.

According to a release issued by the VPA on Thursday, the expansion is aimed at strengthening real-time air quality monitoring across port areas and adjoining residential localities. Officials said the enhanced network would help identify pollution hotspots and assess the effectiveness of dust-mitigation measures implemented by the port authority.

The VPA had earlier operated three CAAQMS units located at the General Cargo Berth (GCB) Gate area, VPA Fire Station Road and the R&D Yard area. With the addition of the new stations, the monitoring network now covers a wider geographical area, including both operational zones of the port and nearby residential neighbourhoods.

Officials said the data generated by the monitoring stations would improve transparency, facilitate coordination with statutory regulatory agencies and strengthen efforts to adopt sustainable port management practices aimed at improving ambient air quality in the city.

The newly commissioned stations have been placed under a 10-year Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) to ensure uninterrupted operation and long-term maintenance, the release said.