Rajahmundry, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : The Andhra Pradesh government has adopted a firm stance regarding pollution in the Godavari River. On September 4, the Deputy Chief Minister‘s office made a pointed post on its official X account, specifically targeting Andhra Paper Limited in Rajahmundry. The post accused the company of being responsible for half of the pollution affecting the river.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister’s office, “While they continue to produce, they are also spreading pollution and evading taxes. Andhra Paper Mills has avoided paying taxes for nearly 12 years.” The government claims that the company owes local authorities ₹21.34 crore in taxes. Since 2016, neither the Kateru Gram Panchayat nor the Rajahmundry Municipal Corporation has received any tax payments from the company. Whenever tax notices are issued, the company resorts to legal action to delay its responsibilities.
The post questioned how the company has managed to exempt itself from taxes without any concessions. The pollution statistics are alarming. Government data indicates that the entire city of Rajahmundry generates approximately 70 million liters of liquid waste daily, with Andhra Paper Mills alone contributing 35 million liters. This means that one company is responsible for 50% of the city’s total waste.
Investigations by the Pollution Control Board have revealed serious irregularities. Samples taken from the company’s lagoon showed a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 36 mg per liter, exceeding the standard by 20%. Additionally, phosphates and sulfides were found to be 6% and 70% above acceptable limits, respectively.
The post further noted that this pollution is lowering oxygen levels in the water, threatening aquatic life. The natural ecosystem of the Godavari is deteriorating, leading to foul odors and jeopardizing public health. The company has also failed to implement suggestions aimed at protecting groundwater.
The government has warned that violations could result in factory closures, fines, asset seizures, and license revocations. However, in an effort not to disrupt the industry, the government has first issued a show-cause notice to allow the company to rectify its mistakes. Over the past three months, officials from the Pollution Control Board have engaged in multiple discussions with company representatives, but to no avail.
Now, the Pollution Control Board is issuing summons to the company, and the government has instructed the Advocate General and government lawyers to expedite hearings in such cases. Additionally, the government has appealed to environmentalists and civil society for support under the “Clean Godavari, Sacred Pushkaram” campaign.
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