Untreated waste discharged from aquaculture in Andhra Pradesh is posing a threat to water resources, human and animal lives – Special focus on implementation of environmental standards in processing units – Actions against units not complying with the prescribed standards. – Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan warns.
By – Raja Pentapati
AP Bureau Chief
Amaravati Sep 28 th, Bharath Digital . National News
The water resources are becoming toxic due to the waste being released without following environmental standards in the large-scale aquaculture processing units operating in various districts of Andhra Pradesh, and the state Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment, Konidela Pawan Kalyan, has said that the government should take steps to protect them seriesley.
Regulations should be strictly implemented to protect water resources from the harms arising due to aqua waste, and continuous monitoring should be undertaken to ensure that aqua processing and aqua pre-processing units across the state comply with the prescribed environmental standards.
He clarified that the coalition government is giving top priority to the conservation of water resources and prevention of pollution.
He said that the presence of harmful chemicals in untreated aqua waste beyond the limit will pollute rivers, canals, sea confluence areas and groundwater, which will affect the quality of life of the people.
He directed the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board officials on the impact of pollution emanating from aqua processing and pre-processing units and preventive measures.
A total of 119 aqua processing units and 12 aqua pre-processing units are operating across the state, and as per the instructions of the minister, extensive inspections, sample collection and tests are being conducted in these units to ensure the implementation of environmental standards.
While samples were collected from 82 units, changes in key standards such as pH levels, floating solid waste and BOD were found in some of them.
He said that show cause notices have already been issued to 10 units that did not comply with environmental standards, and two weeks have been given to provide an explanation and take corrective measures. The officials stated in their report that regulatory action will be taken against the units that continuously violate environmental laws.
It is very important to take measures to ensure that the wastewater discharged from aqua processing units does not have a negative impact on rivers, canals, ponds, sea confluence areas, groundwater and other water resources.
If the BOD levels in wastewater are high, there is a risk of reducing the dissolved oxygen content in the water and damaging aquatic life systems. This will especially have a negative impact on fisheries. Similarly, increasing TSS levels will deteriorate water quality and affect the habitats of aquatic life. Abnormal pH levels will also have a negative impact on aquatic life.
There is a risk of deterioration in water quality, including fisheries, agriculture, animal husbandry and livelihoods dependent on water resources. Pawan Kalyan stated that there is a risk of public health problems due to the deterioration in water quality.
Steps should be taken to identify and prevent problems early by conducting tests, and to provide units with an opportunity to make corrections and to ensure that violations do not recur. Pawan Kalyan clarified that the aim is to ensure that Aqua units effectively comply with environmental standards.
Swacha Andhra Pradesh
