PCB cracks down on port-area pollution, fines two firms Rs 1 crore each
The Pollution Control Board (PCB) has issued notices to two companies for causing pollution in the district and imposed environmental compensation of Rs 1 crore each.
On Saturday, PCB officials formed four teams and conducted inspections at Visakhapatnam Port, Vizag Sea Port, ArcelorMittal, Essar Terminal, the berths and stockyards under Vizag General Cargo, and Coromandel International. Violations were detected at two companies during the inspections, and notices were issued.
Fines were also imposed on 12 goods vehicles for transporting materials without tarpaulins. Within the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) limits, officials identified violations at 48 locations and filed 39 cases. GVMC engineers inspected 21 vehicles as part of the drive.
APPCB Environmental Engineer P.V. Mukunda Rao said the action was part of intensified pollution control measures. Industries and transport vehicles are being closely monitored. Wherever violations are noticed, strict action is being taken as per environmental norms,” he said, adding that inspections would continue till 10 p.m. on the 31st of this month.
Residents living near the port welcomed the inspections but said the problem had persisted for years. “Dust from cargo handling and heavy vehicle movement has become a daily issue for us. Our homes and roads are constantly covered in dust,” said a resident of the Port Area. Another resident said, “We face breathing problems, especially elderly people and children. Regular monitoring is necessary, not just occasional checks.”
Several residents said they hoped sustained enforcement would lead to visible improvement in air quality around the port and adjoining residential areas.