Visakhapatnam:The Greater Visakhapatnam Citizens’ Forum (GVCF) and the Human Rights Forum (HRF) have demanded a comprehensive audit of industrial pollution violations and stricter action against repeat offenders in and around Visakhapatnam.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, GVCF president Sohan Hattangadi and HRF AP and Telangana Coordination Committee member V.S. Krishna questioned the effectiveness of enforcement measures taken by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB). They said inspections, notices and monetary penalties had failed to deter several industries and commercial establishments from repeatedly violating environmental norms.
The organisations called for an independent assessment of air, water and soil quality in Visakhapatnam and its industrial belt, along with a scientific study of the impact of pollution on the health of local residents.
They also sought public disclosure of inspection reports, details of violations detected, penalties imposed and compliance with corrective measures. The groups demanded suspension of operations and closure of units found to be repeatedly violating environmental regulations.
Referring to the CII Partnership Summit scheduled to be held in Visakhapatnam on November 12 and 13, the organisations said efforts to attract investments should be accompanied by measures to protect the environment and public health.
They also called for accountability for regulatory lapses and demanded that industries responsible for pollution bear the cost of environmental restoration. Monetary penalties alone were insufficient to ensure compliance with environmental norms, they said.
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