Task Force Inspections Expose Pollution Lapses at City Ports

A special task force committee headed by Collector Harindra Prasad has launched a series of inspections to address pollution-related concerns in the city, uncovering multiple lapses at several government and private establishments.

Inspections carried out by Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board teams on Monday found deficiencies in stockyard maintenance at ports operated by Coromandel International and ArcelorMittal. Inadequate tarpaulin coverings were found to be causing dust emissions. Fertilisers were stored in sheds earmarked for coal at the Visakhapatnam Port, and dust generation continued across several yards despite the use of water sprinklers.

At Vedanta Cargo, storage areas were found without tarpaulin covers, resulting in significant dust emissions from coal and other materials. Large quantities of gypsum stored in the open at Coromandel International were also found to be uncovered. APPCB officials expressed concern over unusually low readings recorded by ambient air quality monitoring systems at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel and raised questions about their accuracy.

The industries concerned were directed to improve internal roads, ensure proper covering of open stockpiles, and carry out regular sweeping and water sprinkling. APPCB teams also inspected Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations and ordered immediate calibration. The Board will continue daily monitoring of industries and issue notices to establishments that fail to comply with pollution control norms.