APPCB chief directs Nellore industries to develop greenbelt
Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairman Dr. P. Krishnaiah conducted surprise inspections across several industrial units in SPSR Nellore district on Thursday, directing companies to accelerate greenbelt development and tighten compliance with environmental protection and pollution control norms.
Field inspections across Nellore industry clusters
During the inspections, Dr. Krishnaiah visited GRI Towers, Sentini Pipes, Vayona Energy and other units in Nellore to review their on-ground adherence to regulatory standards. The assessment covered the functioning of pollution control systems, solid waste management practices, greenbelt development, and measures to curb fugitive emissions.
Specific directives to accelerate green cover
At GRI Towers, the APPCB chief instructed the management to undertake plantation and complete the five-acre greenbelt already earmarked for the facility. He emphasised that the work should be finished within the current planting season.
He further directed that afforestation works in the 22% greenbelt area earmarked within the IFFCO/concerned organisation’s premises be completed in line with prescribed standards, reiterating that the mandated proportion of green cover must not be diluted.
At Sentini Pipes, he asked the management to draw up and implement an action plan to develop a greenbelt covering at least 33% of the applicable area, underscoring that immediate steps were needed to meet the required threshold.
Measures to curb dust and fugitive emissions
To minimise dust and particulate matter within plant premises, the APPCB chief directed the development of internal roads using BT or CC surfaces. He also reviewed fugitive emission control systems and instructed industries to strengthen measures wherever gaps were identified.
Stricter protocols for waste storage and disposal
Dr. Krishnaiah called for the immediate development of properly lined yards for waste storage, in accordance with environmental standards. He noted that paint sludge, iron slag and other solid wastes must be stored scientifically and processed or disposed of only through authorised agencies.
He also instructed industry managements to ensure the collection and segregation of plastic and PVC waste as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules, and to hand such waste over to authorised agencies or process/dispose of it in line with applicable regulations.
Compliance, enforcement and reporting
Reiterating a zero-tolerance approach to lapses, the APPCB chairman stated that negligence in implementing environmental protection and pollution control standards would not be condoned. Appropriate action, he said, would be taken in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations against violators.
The inspected units were directed to implement all instructions issued during the visits within the stipulated timeframe and submit comprehensive action-taken reports to the APPCB.
Significance
The enforcement push underscores the APPCB’s focus on expanding industrial greenbelts and tightening waste handling and emission controls in Nellore’s manufacturing corridors. By linking immediate, unit-specific directives with timelines and mandatory reporting, the board has signalled its intent to ensure on-ground compliance with environmental standards.
