APPCB chief directs Nellore industry for greenbelt development

Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairman Dr. P. Krishnaiah on Thursday conducted surprise inspections to assess the implementation of environmental protection and pollution control norms at the field level of several industries in SPSR Nellore district.

He visited GRI Towers, Sentini Pipes, Vayona Energy and other industries in Nellore as part of inspections. He reviewed the functioning of pollution control systems, solid waste management, green belt development, control of fugitive emissions and other measures taken by industries.

At GRI Towers, he directed the management to carry out the plantation and complete the development of the five-acre green area, which is earmarked but yet to be developed, during the ongoing planting season itself.

He further directed that the afforestation work on 22% of the green belt area earmarked in the premises of IFFCO/concerned organization should be completed as per the prescribed norms. He directed the industry to strictly comply with all orders, regulations and conditions issued by the APPCB.

At Sentini Pipes, the chairman directed management to prepare and implement an action plan for green belt development of at least 33% of the area concerned. He directed that internal roads be developed with BT or CC roads to avoid dust, particulates and fugitive emissions.

The waste storage area should also be built as a properly lined yard in accordance with environmental standards. He said that paint sludge, iron slag and other solid wastes generated by industries must be scientifically stored and treated/disposed by authorized agencies.

Industry management has also been instructed to collect and sort plastic and PVC waste in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules and hand it over to authorized entities or process/dispose of it in accordance with applicable regulations.

The Chairman reiterated that no laxity in the implementation of environmental protection and pollution control standards would be tolerated and appropriate action would be taken in accordance with applicable guidelines and regulations.

The industrial managements concerned have been directed to implement all the directions issued during the inspections and submit a comprehensive action taken report to the APPCB within the stipulated time.

Published – 1 October 2026 23:05 IST