APPCB chief directs Nellore industries to complete pending greenbelt work

During surprise inspections in SPSR Nellore district, APPCB Chairman Dr. P. Krishnaiah directed industries to complete pending greenbelt work and implement pollution-control instructions within the stipulated time.

The inspections were conducted on Thursday to assess the implementation of environmental protection and pollution control standards at the field level.

Dr. Krishnaiah visited GRI Towers, Sentini Pipes, Vayona Energy and other industries in Nellore as part of the inspection exercise.

Greenbelt work reviewed

The Chairman reviewed the functioning of pollution control systems, solid waste management, greenbelt development, fugitive emission control and other measures being taken by the industries.

At GRI Towers, he directed the management to undertake plantation during the ongoing planting season itself.

He also ordered the management to complete development of the five-acre greenbelt area that had been earmarked but was yet to be developed.

The inspections also covered afforestation work in the 22% greenbelt area earmarked within the IFFCO/concerned organisation’s premises.

Dr. Krishnaiah directed that the afforestation work in that area be completed as per the prescribed standards.

At Sentini Pipes, the management was directed to prepare and implement an action plan for developing greenbelt in at least 33% of the applicable area.

The directions placed greenbelt development alongside pollution-control systems, waste management and fugitive emission control as areas requiring implementation by the industries.

Roads and waste storage

The Chairman directed the industries to develop their internal roads with BT or CC roads to prevent dust, particulate matter and fugitive emissions.

He also ordered that the waste storage area be developed as a properly lined yard in accordance with environmental standards.

Paint Sludge, Iron Slag and other solid wastes generated by the industries must be stored scientifically, he directed.

The same wastes must be processed or disposed of through authorised agencies, according to the instructions issued during the inspections.

The industry managements were also told to collect and segregate plastic and PVC waste in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules.

They were directed to hand over the waste to authorised agencies or process and dispose of it as per the applicable regulations.

Compliance report sought

Dr. Krishnaiah reiterated that no negligence would be tolerated in the implementation of environmental protection and pollution control standards.

He said that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the applicable guidelines and regulations.

The concerned industry managements were directed to implement all instructions issued during the inspections within the stipulated time.

They were also asked to submit a comprehensive report to the APPCB on the action taken.

The inspections therefore resulted in directions covering plantation, afforestation, road development, waste storage, waste segregation and compliance reporting across the concerned industries.

Source: The Hindu