Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairman Dr. P. Krishnaiah on Thursday conducted surprise inspections to assess the implementation of environmental protection and pollution control standards at the field level of several industries in SPSR Nellore district on Thursday.

As part of the inspections, he visited GRI Towers, Sentini Pipes, Vayona Energy and other industries in Nellore. He reviewed the functioning of pollution control systems, solid waste management, greenbelt development, fugitive emission control and other measures being taken by the industries.

At GRI Towers, he directed the management to undertake plantation and complete the development of the five-acre greenbelt area that is earmarked but yet to be developed, during the ongoing planting season itself.

He also directed that the afforestation works in the 22% greenbelt area earmarked within the IFFCO/concerned organisation’s premises be completed as per the prescribed standards. He directed the industries to strictly comply with all orders, regulations and conditions issued by the APPCB.

At Sentini Pipes, the Chairman directed the management to prepare and implement action plan for developing greenbelt in at least 33% of the applicable area. He directed that the internal roads be developed with BT or CC roads to prevent dust, particulate matter and fugitive emissions.

The waste storage area should also be developed as a properly lined yard in accordance with environmental standards. He said that Paint Sludge, Iron Slag and other solid wastes generated by the industries must be stored scientifically and must be processed/ disposed by authorised agencies.

The industry managements were also instructed to collect and segregate plastic and PVC waste in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules and hand it over to authorised agencies or process/dispose of it as per the applicable regulations.

The Chairman reiterated that no negligence would be tolerated in the implementation of environmental protection and pollution control standards, and that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the applicable guidelines and regulations.

The concerned industry managements were directed to implement all the instructions issued during the inspections within the stipulated time and submit a comprehensive report to the APPCB on the action taken.