Pawan Kalyan Calls for Transparent Pollution Inspections!

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan stressed the need for transparency in pollution inspections and directed officials to involve affected residents during field inspections conducted by the Pollution Control Board (PCB). During a review meeting held at the Mangalagiri camp office, Pawan Kalyan expressed concern that the PCB inspection process had become too complex for the public to understand, resulting in delays in resolving environmental issues. He warned that several industries were violating environmental norms in pursuit of profits and directed authorities to take strict action against polluting industries. He also instructed industries, institutions, and religious establishments to strictly follow Supreme Court orders and Central Pollution Control Board norms regarding noise pollution. Officials were further directed to ensure mining companies comply with regulations, especially in areas where quarry blasts near residential zones have triggered complaints from locals.

The Deputy Chief Minister also raised serious concerns over pollution in the Gosthani canal, stating that water samples collected in Vendru village of West Godavari district showed Biological Oxygen Demand levels five times higher than permissible limits, indicating an environmental emergency. He ordered officials to use drones and video surveillance to identify industries illegally discharging waste into rivers. Pawan Kalyan further instructed authorities to clean filter beds in every panchayat within a month to improve rural drinking water quality. Stressing the importance of purified water in arsenic and fluoride-affected areas, he directed officials to accelerate pending Jal Jeevan Mission works and drinking water projects in 3,000 drought-prone villages. He also stated that he would personally visit villages facing severe water shortages and seek additional support from the Centre if required.