VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development and Environment) has unveiled an action plan titled “Swachh Godavari - Pavitra Pushkaralu” aimed at ensuring pollution-free Godavari Pushkarams.
As part of the initiative, the government has identified 262 Pushkar Panchayats in the erstwhile twin Godavari districts, and directed officials to transform them into sewage-free villages before Pushkarams.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the departments concerned to prevent flow of untreated sewage into the Godavari river and establish a real-time monitoring mechanism on the lines of the RTGS control room.
During a review meeting with officials of the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Forest, Environment and Pollution Control Board on Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for coordinated efforts to curb Godavari river pollution.
Prepare plans for sewage management, officials told
The officials informed him that nearly 104 million litres of sewage from municipalities, 8.38 million litres from rural areas, 13.24 million litres of aqua waste and around 32 million litres of industrial discharge from Andhra Paper Mills flow into the Godavari everyday.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed authorities to prepare a comprehensive sewage management plan for rural and urban areas. He suggested construction of magic drains, community soak pits and twin-pit systems under various sanitation schemes to prevent household wastewater from flowing into the river.
Pawan Kalyan also ordered construction of Sewage Treatment Plants in municipalities according to their capacity. Rajamahendravaram, Tanuku, Bhimavaram, Narsapuram and Kovvur have been identified among major urban centres releasing untreated wastewater into the Godavari through drains and canals.
He instructed the officials to utilise funds sanctioned by the Pollution Control Board, including the Rs 100 crore allocation for Godavari pollution control, besides Swachh Andhra resources wherever necessary. Directions were also issued for strict enforcement of the phased ban on single-use plastics in Godavari basin municipalities in six districts.
To curb industrial pollution, the Deputy Chief Minister ordered continuous inspection of industries.