VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forest and Environment Pawan Kalyan has directed Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) officials to strictly enforce environmental regulations at aqua processing and pre-processing units across the State to prevent pollution of water resources caused by untreated aqua waste.
He said the TDP-led NDA coalition government was giving priority to protecting water resources and preventing pollution. Untreated aqua waste containing harmful chemicals beyond permissible limits could contaminate rivers, canals, estuaries and groundwater, affecting fisheries, agriculture, livestock, livelihoods and public health, he said.
Pawan Kalyan directed officials to maintain continuous surveillance over aqua processing units and ensure compliance with prescribed environmental standards. He reviewed the impact of pollution from aqua processing and pre-processing units and the measures being taken to prevent contamination.
APPCB officials said the government has 119 aqua processing units and 12 aqua pre-processing units. Following Pawan Kalyan’s directions, extensive inspections, sampling and testing were being conducted to assess compliance with environmental standards.
Samples have so far been collected from 82 units. Variations were detected in certain units in key parameters, including pH levels, total suspended solids (TSS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Show-cause notices have already been issued to 10 units for failing to comply with environmental norms. The units have been given two weeks to submit explanations and undertake corrective measures. Officials said regulatory action would be initiated under environmental laws against units that continued to violate the prescribed norms.
Identify and stop pollution at its source, officials told
Pawan Kalyan said pollution had to be identified and prevented at its source. He stressed the need to ensure that wastewater discharged from aqua units did not adversely affect rivers, canals, tanks, estuaries, groundwater and other water resources.
He explained that high BOD levels could reduce dissolved oxygen in water, affecting aquatic ecosystems and fisheries. Increased TSS could deteriorate water quality and damage aquatic habitats, while abnormal pH levels could also adversely affect aquatic life. He further directed officials to conduct regular sampling and testing at aqua processing and pre-processing units to identify problems at an early stage.
He said units should be given an opportunity to undertake corrective measures, while steps should be taken to prevent repeated violations.
“The objective is to ensure effective compliance with environmental standards by all aqua units and protect the State’s water resources from pollution,” he said.
