States » SouthPosted at: Oct 8 2026 8:11PM


APPCB imposes Rs 16.32 Cr environmental compensation on industries in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, Oct 8 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has intensified environmental monitoring and enforcement measures in Visakhapatnam to control air pollution and improve air quality in the city including levying an environmental compensation on defaulting industries.
The APPCB in a release on Thursday said it had imposed a total environmental compensation of Rs 16.32 crore on certain industries operating in Visakhapatnam for violations of environmental norms and prescribed pollution control standards.
The Board said air pollution levels in Visakhapatnam had increased in December 2025 and emissions and smoke from certain industries were identified as contributing to the deterioration in air quality.
The concerned industries were directed to comply with prescribed emission standards, ensure proper operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment and take measures to prevent excessive smoke and pollutant emissions.
As part of the enforcement measures, Task Force teams conducted inspections at several industries in January 2026. Deficiencies relating to compliance with air quality standards were identified at certain units and notices were subsequently issued, directing them to take corrective and pollution control measures.
Despite continuous monitoring, repeated inspections and issuance of notices, the air quality situation did not show the expected improvement.
The APPCB subsequently intensified inspections and observed that certain industries were not complying with environmental regulations and prescribed pollution control standards.
Accordingly, environmental compensation was imposed on the concerned industries in accordance with applicable regulations, the Board said.
APPCB Chairman Dr P Krishnaiah said effective monitoring of industrial emissions, proper operation and maintenance of pollution control systems and strict implementation of prescribed standards were crucial for controlling air pollution in an industrially developing city like Visakhapatnam.
He also appealed to citizens to contribute to efforts to control air pollution by reducing the use of private vehicles and opting for public transport wherever possible. Vehicle owners were advised to get their vehicles regularly checked for pollution emissions.
The Chairman urged the public not to dump or burn garbage, dry leaves, plastic or other waste materials on roads or in open areas.
He also advised people against dumping construction and demolition waste in open spaces.
He called for adequate measures to prevent dust emissions during construction activities and transportation of sand, soil and other construction materials, including completely covering transport vehicles with tarpaulins.
The APPCB said eight manual monitoring stations were currently functioning in Visakhapatnam to monitor air quality.
Three Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) were also in operation for real-time monitoring, while five IoT sensor-based air quality monitoring stations were proposed to be made operational by November.
Dr Krishnaiah appealed to industries, local bodies and all concerned departments to work in coordination to improve air quality, reduce pollution levels and protect the environment.
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Tags: #APPCB imposes Rs 16.32 Cr environmental compensation on industries in Visakhapatnam
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