PK warns Andhra Paper over alleged pollution

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Deputy Chief Minister and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday alleged that Andhra Paper Limited was responsible for nearly half of Rajamahendravaram’s liquid waste discharge and accused the company of failing to pay local taxes for nearly 12 years. In a strongly worded statement, Pawan said the company had not paid taxes to Katheeru Gram Panchayat or the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation since 2016, claiming that nearly Rs.21.34 crore was outstanding.

He questioned the company’s repeated approach to courts whenever tax notices were issued and asked why it had failed to fulfill its civic responsibilities. Pawan also raised concerns over the company’s alleged contribution to pollution in the Godavari. He said Rajamahendravaram generates around 70 million liters of liquid waste a day, of which approximately 35 million liters was generated by the paper mill.

Citing test results from samples collected near the company’s waste lagoons, he said the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was recorded at 36 mg per liter, around 20 per cent above prescribed limits. Phosphate levels were 5.3 mg per liter, while sulphides were recorded at 3.4 mg per litre, which he claimed was significantly above Central Pollution Control Board standards. Pawan said excessive pollutants could reduce oxygen levels in water, threaten aquatic life and damage the Godavari’s ecosystem. He also alleged that foul odors and deteriorating water quality could pose risks to public health and groundwater.

Pawan directed officials to issue summons to Andhra Paper Limited and initiate action according to regulations. He also asked government law officers to expedite litigation concerning environmental violations. Appealing for support from environmentalists and civil society, Pawan said the government would continue efforts to protect the Godavari under the “Clean Godavari–Sacred Pushkarams” theme and accord the highest priority to public interest and environmental protection.