VIJAYAWADA: In view of the continued non-compliance, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has imposed an Environmental Compensation of Rs 21.01 crore on the Andhra Paper Limited company.
It may be recalled that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently expressed his serious concern that Andhra Paper Limited has repeatedly violated the guidelines prescribed by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) and environmental regulations, and has failed to rectify the deficiencies despite being given repeated directions, notices, sufficient time and opportunities.
He inspected the Turpulanka Sand Shoals and surrounding areas on May 26. Based on the environmental violations observed during the inspection, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board issued show-cause notices to Andhra Paper Limited on May 28 and June 12, 2026.
With the objective of facilitating industries while ensuring environmental compliance, the board had earlier issued several directions and notices to Andhra Paper Limited and provided adequate time and opportunities to establish an alternative waste disposal system and rectify the deficiencies identified in the process.
However, during the latest inspection conducted on September 3, the authorities found that there had been no significant improvement in the situation. The deficiencies and violations identified earlier were found to be continuing. Despite repeated identification of issues having the potential to adversely impact the environment due to the discharge of waste by the company in and around the Godavari River, Andhra Paper Limited failed to take effective corrective measures to address them.
The APPCB has viewed seriously the lack of significant progress in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, despite the notices issued following the inspection by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, the reviews conducted by the Pollution Control Board, and repeated directions and opportunities provided to the company.
The APPCB has made it clear that it will not permit any activities resulting in adverse environmental impacts, particularly through the discharge of waste in and around the Godavari River.
Accordingly, an Environmental Compensation of Rs 21,01,80,000, has been imposed on Andhra Paper Limited for continued violation of environmental regulations and non-compliance with the directions of the board.