APPCB warns Nellore rice mills against emissions and fines for violations

APPCB Environmental Engineer Ashok Kumar conducted an information meeting for rice mill owners at the Rice Mill Owners Association building in Nellore on Saturday. | Photo credit: ARRANGEMENT

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has asked the owners of 64 rice mills in Nellore city to run their mills in accordance with the board’s guidelines and regulations. She warned that mills would be heavily fined if dust emissions from their boilers caused air pollution in the city.

APPCB Environmental Engineer (EE) Ashok Kumar organized an information session for rice mill owners here on Saturday. On this occasion, he emphasized that every mill owner has a responsibility to prevent pollution that could harm public health. He said that these meetings are being organized based on the suggestions of Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.

The state government has received complaints from the public regarding pollution caused by rice mills. APPCB Chairman P. Krishnaiah visited Nellore on Thursday and issued an order to shut down rice mills that have repeatedly violated pollution norms. He clarified that the government was not opposed to them, but was trying to make them work without causing inconvenience to the public.

Over the past two years, the APPCB Nellore regional office has repeatedly advised mill owners to install state-of-the-art machinery to prevent pollution emissions. Only 33 mill owners responded by installing equipment to reduce dust emissions from their boilers. Mr. Ashok Kumar urged the remaining 31 mill owners to also take steps to comply with the APPCB standards.

He also announced that a workshop on the use and maintenance of technical equipment required for pollution control would soon be held. He said that the experts will raise the awareness of the employees regarding the maintenance of boilers and other machinery. He emphasized that mill owners must recognize the need for green belt development in every mill.

APPCB EE noted that value-added products could be manufactured in the factories and added that special meetings would be held to raise awareness about the types of products that could be manufactured. He urged everyone to focus on the matter and stressed that the state government was serious about pollution control.

Published – 03 Oct 2026 20:59 IST