Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday, 4 September directed the Pollution Control Board to issue summons to Andhra Paper Mills Private Limited, holding the company responsible for generating half of the total liquid waste polluting the Godavari River at Rajahmundry. The directive follows months of failed remediation talks and comes under the state government's 'Clean Godavari – Sacred Pushkaralu' initiative.

Scale of Pollution

According to Pawan Kalyan, official data confirms that while Rajahmundry city generates approximately 70 million litres of liquid waste in total, Andhra Paper Mills alone accounts for 35 million litres — precisely half. Laboratory tests on samples collected near the company's waste discharge lagoons revealed alarming readings: a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 36 milligrams per litre, which is 20% above prescribed standards; phosphate levels at 5.3 milligrams, exceeding limits by 6%; and sulphide levels at 3.4 milligrams — 70% higher than the norms set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Environmental and Health Impact

Pawan Kalyan stated that the industrial discharge depletes dissolved oxygen in the river, directly endangering aquatic life and damaging the Godavari's natural ecosystem. He added that the effluents emit foul odours, degrade water quality, and pose serious risks to public health. During an earlier field visit, he had advised the company to take preventive measures against groundwater contamination — measures the company reportedly failed to implement.

Tax Evasion Allegations

Beyond environmental violations, Pawan Kalyan also criticised Andhra Paper Mills for alleged non-payment of taxes spanning a decade. According to him, the company owes ₹21.34 crore to local bodies and has not cleared dues since 2016.

Government's Warning and Next Steps

Pawan Kalyan noted that the Pollution Control Board had held multiple discussions with company representatives over the past three months, suggesting remedial measures — yet received no meaningful response. He stated that while the coalition government had initially issued show-cause notices as a preliminary warning to avoid undue hardship to industry, the continued inaction left no alternative. 'Strict action could be taken against you for these violations... ranging from halting industrial operations and imposing penalties to seizing the company or even revoking its license,' he said. He also instructed the Advocate General, Additional Advocate General, government pleaders, and standing counsels to pursue the speedy disposal of cases related to the company's rule violations. The government has appealed to environmentalists and civil society for support in its river-protection drive.