Andhra Paper Mills faces summons over Godavari pollution and tax evasion

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan has ordered strict action against Andhra Paper Mills Private Limited for polluting the Godavari River in Rajamahendravaram. Officials have been directed to issue summons to the company and ensure legal proceedings are expedited.

Investigations reveal that the company is responsible for approximately 50 percent of the total liquid waste in Rajamahendravaram. While the city produces 70 million liters of liquid waste daily, the mill alone contributes 35 million liters. Water samples taken near the company’s waste lagoon showed pollutant levels exceeding standards: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) was 20 percent above the limit, phosphate levels were 6 percent higher, and sulfide levels were 70 percent above the Central Pollution Control Board's permitted thresholds.

In addition to environmental violations, the government has accused the company of tax evasion. It is alleged that the mill has failed to pay taxes to local bodies, including the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation and Kateru Gram Panchayat, since 2016, resulting in outstanding dues of approximately 21.34 crore rupees. The government has warned of severe penalties, including potential factory closure, fines, and license cancellation.