GVCF seeks urgent steps to curb rising pollution in Vizag
The Greater Visakhapatnam Citizens’ Forum (GVCF) has urged the district administration to take up a six-point action plan to address rising pollution levels in Visakhapatnam.
In a representation submitted recently to District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore, GVCF president Sohan Hatangadi, vice-president S. Krishnamurthy, and secretary Capt. N. Viswanathan flagged concerns over worsening air pollution in the city, attributing it to industrial activity, port operations, vehicular emissions, and construction dust.
Referring to data under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the forum said PM10 pollution levels in the city had increased by 32.9 per cent between 2017-18 and 2024-25.
Among the measures proposed by the forum are steps to curb coal dust pollution from the Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports, mandatory pollution-monitoring systems at construction sites, and stricter enforcement against vehicular emissions, particularly from diesel-run buses and trucks.
The GVCF also called for the installation of more Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) across the city to enable real-time tracking of pollution levels. It further sought mandatory CAAQMS facilities for red-category industries and mineral storage units, along with a publicly accessible dashboard displaying pollution data.
The representation also raised concerns over seawater pollution caused by sewage discharge, garbage dumping, and immersion of plaster-of-Paris idols. The forum suggested the creation of artificial ponds for idol immersion and awareness campaigns promoting the use of clay idols during festivals.
The GVCF said it was prepared to work with the district administration in implementing pollution-control measures in the city.