Pawan Kalyan orders summons to Andhra Paper Mills for Godavari pollution

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan has ordered summons for Andhra Paper Limited following allegations of significant environmental pollution and tax evasion.

Kalyan stated that the company is responsible for approximately 35 million litres of liquid waste daily, accounting for nearly half of the 70 million litres generated in Rajahmundry. Environmental tests conducted near the company’s discharge lagoons revealed that pollutants exceed permissible limits. Specifically, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels were 20 per cent above standards, phosphate levels were 6 per cent above limits, and sulphide levels were 70 per cent higher than the Central Pollution Control Board’s prescribed standards.

The Deputy Chief Minister warned that these discharges threaten the Godavari River’s ecosystem, deplete oxygen levels, and pose risks to public health and groundwater. Additionally, Kalyan accused the company of failing to pay local taxes since 2016, alleging an outstanding debt of Rs 21.34 crore to local bodies. He has instructed legal officials to ensure the rapid resolution of cases regarding these regulatory violations.