The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has instructed rice mill owners in Nellore city to adhere to environmental regulations. The board warned that rice mills failing to control dust emissions from their boilers could face significant fines if they contribute to air pollution.
An awareness meeting was conducted by APPCB Environmental Engineer Ashok Kumar for rice mill owners. He stressed the responsibility of mill owners in preventing public health-harming pollution. These meetings were organized following suggestions from Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, as the state government had received public complaints about pollution from rice mills.
APPCB Chairman P. Krishnaiah previously ordered the shutdown of rice mills that persistently violate pollution norms. He stated the government’s goal is to ensure mills operate without inconveniencing the public. The APPCB has advised mill owners for the past two years to install modern machinery to reduce pollution emissions.
While 33 mill owners have installed equipment to curb dust emissions, 31 others have yet to comply. The APPCB plans to hold a workshop on operating and maintaining pollution control equipment and will conduct sessions on developing green belts and manufacturing value-added products at the mills. The state government is reportedly serious about pollution control measures.
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Source: thehindu.com
