APPCB chief directs Nellore industries to develop greenbelt

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairman initiated surprise inspections to evaluate the adherence to environmental protection and pollution control standards among various industries in the SPSR Nellore district. The inspections encompassed GRI Towers, Sentini Pipes, Vayona Energy, and other establishments. Dr. P. Krishnaiah, the APPCB Chairman, emphasized the importance of greenbelt development, which was highlighted at GRI Towers.

He instructed the management to initiate plantation and complete the 5-acre greenbelt area within the ongoing planting season. Moreover, he directed the completion of afforestation works in the 22% greenbelt area within the IFFCO/organisation's premises by the prescribed standards.

At Sentini Pipes, the Chairman directed the management to devise and execute an action plan for developing greenbelt within at least 33% of the applicable area. He also directed that internal roads be constructed using BT or CC roads to mitigate dust, particulate matter, and fugitive emissions. The waste storage area was mandated to be developed as a properly lined yard, following environmental standards.

Dr. Krishnaiah further stressed the importance of safely storing and processing/disposing solid wastes, such as paint sludge, iron slag, and other industrial by-products, in accordance with environmental regulations. Industry management was instructed to collect and segregate plastic and PVC waste, then hand it over to authorized agencies or process/dispose it as per the applicable regulations.

The APPCB Chairman reemphasized that any negligence in implementing environmental protection and pollution control standards would not be tolerated. Appropriate actions would be taken in line with the applicable guidelines and regulations. Industry management were directed to implement all the instructions within the stipulated time and submit a comprehensive report on the action taken to the APPCB.