Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan has directed the APPCB to take stringent action against Andhra Paper Limited (APL) for discharging massive amounts of pollutants into the Godavari river and allegedly evading ₹21.34 crore in taxes.

  • Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan orders APPCB to penalize Andhra Paper Limited (APL).
  • APL is accused of contributing nearly 50% of Rajamahendravaram's total liquid waste.
  • Allegations of ₹21.34 crore tax evasion since 2016 against local bodies.
  • Potential for immediate license cancellation and operational shutdown.

In a decisive move to protect the ecological integrity of the region, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has directed the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to initiate stringent legal proceedings against Andhra Paper Limited (APL). The directive follows allegations that the company has consistently ignored directives to prevent the contamination of the sacred Godavari River in Rajamahendravaram.

Addressing the company via a post on X, Mr. Kalyan emphasized that the violations observed during his previous visit in June warrant severe consequences. He noted that while show-cause notices were initially issued to allow for rectification, the continued non-compliance could lead to the suspension of operations, imposition of heavy penalties, seizure of assets, or the immediate cancellation of their industrial license.

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The Scale of Environmental Degradation

The environmental impact cited by the Deputy CM is staggering. According to official statistics, APL is responsible for a disproportionate amount of the pollution in Rajamahendravaram. While the entire city generates approximately 75 million litres of liquid waste daily, APL alone discharges 35 million litres of highly polluted effluent.

Technical assessments conducted by the APPCB revealed that the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the lagoons where APL releases waste stood at 36 mg/L, which is 20% above the permissible limits. Furthermore, phosphate levels were recorded at 5.3 mg/L, exceeding standards by 6%, posing a lethal threat to the aquatic ecosystem of the Godavari.

The river’s natural ecosystem is under severe threat, harming public health and making the survival of future generations questionable.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this confrontation represents a pivotal shift in the state's approach to industrial governance. By targeting a major industrial player, the administration is signaling that environmental preservation under the 'Swatchha Godavari - Sacred Pushkarams' initiative will take precedence over industrial convenience. This case will likely set a precedent for how industrial waste management is monitored across Andhra Pradesh.

Allegations of Financial Misconduct

Beyond environmental concerns, the Deputy CM leveled serious allegations regarding fiscal responsibility. He claimed that since 2016, Andhra Paper Limited has evaded paying ₹21.34 crore in taxes due to the Katheru Gram Panchayat and the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation, allegedly using litigation to stall payments.

Did You Know?: The Godavari River is one of the largest river systems in India, serving as a lifeline for millions of people and diverse biological species.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific actions can be taken against Andhra Paper Limited?
The government can stop industrial operations, impose financial penalties, seize company property, or cancel their operating licenses.

2. How much tax is the company alleged to have evaded?
The company is accused of evading ₹21.34 crore in taxes since 2016.