Industrial growth along with environmental protection: APPCB Chairman

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Industrial development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairman Dr. P. Krishnaiah has emphasized. He stated that enhancing green cover around industrial premises, along with measures to minimize the adverse impacts of industrial pollution, is essential for maintaining ecological balance. Accordingly, APPCB is according priority to the development of green belts in industrial areas across the State. The Chairman emphasized that sustainable industrial growth can be achieved by encouraging industries while ensuring compliance with environmental standards and promoting greenery in and around industrial premises.

According to official APPCB data, 2,234.15 acres of green cover were developed in industrial areas during 2026, following the Deputy Chief Minister’s directions. Consequently, the total existing green cover across industrial areas in Andhra Pradesh has reached 27,384.34 acres, covering 2,913 industries across the State. These figures reflect the progress made towards promoting greenery and strengthening environmental protection in industrial areas.

Green belt development in accordance with applicable environmental norms

APPCB is promoting green belt development in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the environmental clearance conditions applicable to individual industries. The extent of green cover required depends on the category of the industry, its location, pollution potential and the applicable regulatory requirements. The Chairman stressed that green belt development should not be limited to planting saplings alone.

He urged industries to undertake sustained efforts to maintain and improve their green cover. Dr. P. Krishnaiah reiterated that industrial managements must comply with environmental regulations and give due importance to green belt development alongside pollution control measures. He called upon industries and the concerned departments to work in coordination to further expand green cover across the State.