Pawan Kalyan questions officials over Godavari pollution

Expressing dissatisfaction with the inaction of regulatory authorities, Pawan Kalyan asked why officials had failed to intervene despite clear evidence of pollution

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has expressed serious concern over the alarming levels of pollution detected in the Godavari River and questioned officials over their failure to act despite visible signs of contamination. Reviewing laboratory reports submitted by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), he directed immediate action against industries and agencies responsible for polluting the river.

The review followed water sample testing ordered by Pawan Kalyan during his inspection of the Nalla Channel and the Andhra Paper Mill lagoons on May 25. Laboratory analysis revealed that pollution indicators in several locations had exceeded permissible limits, raising concerns about public health, aquatic life and environmental sustainability.

Officials informed the Deputy Chief Minister that water samples collected near the Kotilingala Ghat and Nalla Channel showed dangerously high levels of coliform bacteria, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity and nitrate contamination. Coliform levels reached 2,420 MPN per 100 ml against the safe limit of 500, while nitrate concentrations were recorded at 119.6 mg/L, far exceeding permissible standards. Experts warned that such contamination could lead to diseases including cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and skin infections, while high nitrate levels pose serious risks to infants.

The laboratory report also highlighted significant pollution in wastewater discharged from the Andhra Paper Mill lagoons. Elevated levels of sulphides, phosphates and BOD were detected, indicating inadequate treatment of industrial effluents. According to officials, the contamination threatens aquatic ecosystems, fisheries and public health in surrounding areas.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the inaction of regulatory authorities, Pawan Kalyan asked why officials had failed to intervene despite clear evidence of pollution. He directed the Pollution Control Board to issue show-cause notices to Andhra Paper Mill and the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation. He also ordered disciplinary action against Pollution Control Board officials in Rajamahendravaram for negligence in monitoring pollution violations.

While noting that the government has legal authority to shut down the industry and impose heavy penalties, Pawan Kalyan said the administration would provide the company an opportunity to rectify deficiencies and improve its effluent treatment systems without jeopardizing workers’ livelihoods.

The Deputy Chief Minister also instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive project report for a permanent sewage management system in Rajamahendravaram to ensure that untreated wastewater no longer enters the Godavari River. He assured that the state government would seek assistance from the Union Government, if necessary, to undertake a large-scale river rejuvenation program.