The dirty water and waste released from factories and village panchayats in both Godavari districts should be strictly prevented from mixing with the holy Godavari river, and the river should be completely cleaned without any pollution during the upcoming Godavari Pushkaram – Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has issued strict orders
Raja Pentapati - AP Bureau Chief
Amaravati Sep 4rth, Bharatrat Digital news
National
State Forest Minister Deputy CM Konidala Pawan Kalyan has issued strict orders to the Pollution Control Board officials to conduct a comprehensive study on all the main and sub-drains joining the Godavari river from Rajamahendravaram to Antarvedi.
While preparing for the Godavari Pushkaram with the theme of ‘Clean Godavari – Holy Pushkaralu’, special action should be taken to make the Godavari river completely pollution-free.
It was suggested that about 15 main drains and up to 45 minor drains join the Godavari river in the Godavari catchment area of the state, and a scientific analysis should be done on the sewage, industrial waste and other pollutants entering through them.
He mentioned that drains like Yanamadurru are carrying waste water from industrial areas and joining the Vashishtha Godavari, while the sewage from the surrounding areas of Ramachandrapuram is entering the Godavari through the Teki Major Drain, the waste from the Amalapuram area through the Kumara Canal, and the waste from near Dhavaleswaram through the Gorinkala Drain.
He said that it is a matter of concern that the Godavari River has become the final destination for sewage from 262 village panchayats along the banks of the Godavari, along with the sewage from urban areas.
He ordered that water samples be collected regularly from each drain to determine the pollution levels, and that analysis be carried out on factors such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), solid waste, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals.
He clarified that the issue of whether industrial waste is being treated as per the prescribed standards should be specifically examined and that waste water from drains should be treated before it enters the Godavari.
He directed the officials to take immediate control measures in cases where pollution beyond the limit is detected and to take legal action against those responsible.
He said that regular inspections should be conducted under the auspices of the special task force set up for Godavari pollution control and reports should be submitted from time to time. He said that if necessary, the funds of Rs. 100 crore released by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board should be effectively utilized for pollution control measures.
The special task force, headed by the Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Departments and coordinated by the Member Secretary of the Pollution Control Board, comprising the Commissioners of the Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Industries Department, Agriculture and Fisheries Departments, Chief Engineers of the Water Resources and Rural Water Supply Departments, and the Collectors of the six districts in the Godavari catchment area, has been directed to continuously review the measures being taken for pollution control.
Precautions should be taken to ensure that untreated sewage does not enter the Godavari in any area.
Shri Pawan Kalyan said that the cleaning of the Godavari River has been taken as a very prestigious program and comprehensive activities will continue with the theme “Clean Godavari – Holy Pushkaralu”.
He said that after the successful completion of the cleaning of the Godavari River, special activities will be taken to make the Krishna River as well as other major rivers in the state pollution-free. He clarified that plans are being made to organize future Krishna Pushkarams with the same theme.
. Swacha Andhra Pradesh