Andhra Pradesh: NGT directs Central Pollution Control Board to inspect Andhra Paper Mill on polluting Godavari river in Rajamahendravaram
The Hindu
The National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone - Chennai) on April 12 directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a report on the alleged release of contaminated chemical water into the Godavari River by Andhra Paper Mill Limited (APML) in Rajamahendravaram city
The National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone - Chennai) on April 12 directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a report on the alleged release of contaminated chemical water into the Godavari River by Andhra Paper Mill Limited (APML) in Rajamahendravaram city.
Judicial Member Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Expert Member Satyagopal Korlapati of the NGT on April 12 heard the case (OA No. 33/2023) online. The case was filed by the residents surrounding the paper mill.
In the order, the NGT has stated; “Since It is alleged that the 7 th Respondent (Andhra Paper Mill Ltd) is polluting the area by releasing the contaminated chemical water into the Godavari river and the unit continues to violate the environment clearance and consent conditions, the applicant has sought for closure of the paper mill. We direct the CPCB to inspect the premises and file a detailed report in relevance to the allegations made by the applicant.”
A copy of the NGT order is with The Hindu. Andhra Paper Limited was formerly known as M/s International Paper APPM Ltd.
The NGT has also directed the Andhra Paper Mill Limited to file a report on whether it had honoured its written commitment (2022) to the ‘compliance of all the conditions’ given to the second applicant, Marri Pushparaj.
The NGT also stated that notice should also be issued to all the respondents including AP Pollution Control Board (4 th Respondent) and East Godavari District Collector (5 th Respondent). The next hearing is scheduled to be held on May 22.
The local residents, who moved the NGT, alleged in the petition that the discharge of untreated chemical wastewater into the Godavari is polluting the river ecosystem, apart from causing various health hazards, including kidney ailments, breathing and lung complications, in the nearby areas.
“We are judges and therefore, cannot act like Mughals of a bygone era ... the writ courts in the guise of doing justice cannot transcend the barriers of law,” the High Court of Karnataka observed while setting aside an order of a single judge, who in 2016 had extended the lease of a public premises allotted to a physically challenged person to 20 years contrary to 12-year period stipulated in the law.
The High Court of Karnataka on Monday declined to interfere, at present, in the investigation against a Bharatiya Janata Party worker, who is among the accused persons facing charges of circulating obscene clips, related to “morphed” images and videos clips related to Prajwal Revanna, former Hassan MP, in public domain through pen drives and other modes.
The 16th edition of Bhoomi Habba was held on June 8, at the Visthar campus. The festival drew a vibrant crowd who came together to celebrate eco-consciousness through a variety of engaging activities, creative workshops, panel discussions, interactive exhibits and performances, all centered around this year’s theme: “Save Water, Save Lives.”