The Hindu 22.12.2011
GVMC wants industries, PCB to act on pollution
Favouring concrete action on the part of polluting industries to contain it and against them by the AP Pollution Control Board, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation on Wednesday held a preliminary meeting.
Report
A report on the deliberations and suggestions will be prepared based on which a second meeting will be held.
Mayor Pulusu Janardhana Rao stressed the need for containing pollution in view of the city attracting more industries resulting in more pollution.
Municipal Commissioner B. Ramanjaneyulu said with urea, sulphur and other cargo spilling onto the road, accidents were taking place and 600 persons were injured because of this.
All industries should work complying with the municipal laws, he asserted.
He and the Mayor insisted that the port must implement the directions of the PCB. The Commissioner wanted Port Chief Engineer Ramachandra Rao to act on the assurance of Chairman Ajeya Kallam to take up constructive suggestions and initiate interim measures.
Port modernisation
Mr. Ramachandra Rao said the general cargo berth was being modernised with a cost of Rs.450 crore and the first phase would be completed in September, 2012 and the second by December 2013.
APPCB Executive Engineer U. Ali Khan said of the seven industries in the city HPCL and the port were causing most of the pollution.
Notices issued
The port had been given three notices each in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
It had failed to cover dusty cargo fully and set up a full-fledged tyre-washing.
If the two coal heaps dumped without permission were removed, 30 per cent of pollution could be reduced.
Deputy Transport Commissioner Sambasiva Rao said 300 polluting vehicles were fined but the Commissioner wanted them to be seized.
CPI (M) and CPI floor leaders Botta Eswaramma and A.J. Stalin and several corporators participated.
Mayor Pulusu Janardhana Rao stresses the need for containing pollution
All industries should comply with the municipal laws, says Commissioner
