VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has directed industries and port operators in Visakhapatnam and surrounding industrial areas to take immediate measures to control air and water pollution, after expressing concern over deterioration in air quality in the Port area, Pedagantyada, Gajuwaka, Lankapalem and Parawada.
The directions were issued during a review meeting held in Vijayawada on August 25 under the chairmanship of the APPCB Chairman and Member Secretary, with the top management and representatives of major industries in the Visakhapatnam industrial bowl and surrounding areas.
The APPCB reviewed environmental compliance and the measures being implemented and proposed by industries to control pollution.
It also reviewed pollution-control measures being taken by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, its public-private partnership operators and industries in the industrial belt.
Visakhapatnam had recorded ‘Moderate’ to ‘Poor’ air quality during November and December 2025, prompting the APPCB to intensify inspections. Following the inspections, show-cause-cum-environmental compensation notices were issued to industries and port entities for identified non-compliances.
The APPCB has since been conducting reviews with the district administration, port authorities, stakeholder departments and industries to monitor dust-suppression steps and improve air quality.
At a meeting held on July 10, the stakeholders were directed to strengthen mechanical dust-suppression systems, covered storage and transportation, mechanisation of cargo handling, green-belt development and additional online monitoring systems in and around the port area.
During the latest review, the APPCB Chairman expressed dissatisfaction over the deterioration in air quality, particularly in the Port area, Pedagantyada, Gajuwaka, Lankapalem and Parawada.
“Dust pollution was associated with Hinduja National Power Corporation Limited (HNPCL) and NTPC, as well as air and water pollution concerns involving the pharmaceutical industrial area at Parawada and APIIC, Atchutapuram,” officials highlighted.
Representatives of the industries informed the APPCB that they had prepared short and long-term measures to address pollution concerns. Short-term measures would be completed within three to six months and long-term measures within one year, they informed.
Keep 33% green cover, industries told
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority and its PPP operators were directed to implement the proposed measures within the committed timelines.
Coromandel International Limited was asked to provide adequate facilities for gypsum storage. HNPCL was directed to prevent spillage and fugitive dust emissions during coal and ash transportation and to maintain and suppress dust on roads.
NTPC’s Simhadri Super Thermal Power Project was instructed to take immediate measures to prevent ash from the ash pond from drifting towards Pittavanipalem village.
The pollution-control performance of RINL was also reviewed, with particular focus on emissions from the coke oven batteries, captive power plant, sinter plant and other process areas.
The company was directed to take immediate measures to control emissions.
Visakha Pharmacity Limited, formerly Ramky Pharmacity (India) Ltd, was asked to strengthen pollution and odour-control measures.
The APPCB directed AETL to monitor the movement of tankers and ensure that contaminated runoff does not enter downstream tanks. It was also asked to upgrade the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP).
The APPCB also called upon all industries to maintain 33% green cover under the ‘Great Green Wall’ initiative.
It stressed that effective pollution-control measures should be in place before the coming winter to prevent a recurrence of the deterioration in ambient air quality witnessed in December 2025.
The APPCB warned that stringent action would be initiated against units that fail to comply with its directions.
