Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Pollution Board Orders Visakhapatnam Industries to Strengthen Controls
The pollution-control board held a meeting with large industries near Visakhapatnam.
Officials said air quality in several parts of the area had become worse.
They were especially concerned about dust, smoke, wastewater and bad smells.
Industries were asked to take steps to reduce pollution.
Some quick fixes must be completed within three to six months.
Bigger projects must be completed within one year.
Several companies received specific instructions about coal dust, ash, runoff and factory emissions.
The board said industries must follow the orders or face strict action.
The APPCB reviewed pollution-control compliance with major industries from the Visakhapatnam Bowl area on August 25 in Vijayawada.
The board cited worsening air quality in areas including the Port area, Pedagantyada, Gajuwaka, Lankapalem and Parawada.
HNPC and NTPC were told to control coal, ash and dust emissions, while NTPC must prevent ash drifting toward Pittavanipalem village.
RINL, Visakha Pharmacity, APETL and other industries received directions on emissions, odour, runoff, tanker movements and effluent treatment.
Industries must complete short-term measures within three to six months and long-term measures within a year, or face stringent action.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board and major industries in and around the Visakhapatnam Bowl area.
- What
- The APPCB reviewed environmental compliance and ordered industries to strengthen air and water pollution controls.
- When
- The review meeting was held on August 25; the year was not specified.
- Where
- The meeting took place in Vijayawada and covered industrial areas around Visakhapatnam, including the Port area, Pedagantyada, Gajuwaka, Lankapalem and Parawada.
- Why
- The board cited deteriorating air quality and concerns about dust, emissions, wastewater, odour and contaminated runoff.
- Reviewing body
- Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB)
- Meeting date
- August 25; the article does not specify the year
- Meeting location
- Vijayawada
- Short-term deadline
- Three to six months
- Long-term deadline
- Within one year
- Green-cover requirement
- Industries were reminded to maintain 33 per cent green cover under the Great Green Wall initiative
- Enforcement
- The APPCB warned of stringent action against industries that fail to comply