APPCB moves to close two Nellore prawn units over untreated waste

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has initiated closure proceedings against two prawn processing units in SPSR Nellore district after inspections revealed untreated wastewater being released into drains and solid waste being burnt on site.

The action follows a State-wide review of 131 aqua processing and pre-processing units, ordered by Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, who holds the Forest and Environment portfolio, on September 28. He directed the board to enforce environmental rules strictly.

On the instructions of APPCB Chairman P. Krishnaiah, the board's Chief Environmental Engineer, M. Rajasekhar, inspected several prawn processing units in the district on Saturday to assess how they generated and managed waste and wastewater. Violations were found at The Water Base Limited and Abaad Overseas Private Limited.

The Water Base Limited unit at Ananthapuram village in Tottapalligudur mandal processes eight tonnes a day, while the Abaad Overseas unit at Kudithipalem village in Indukurpet mandal handles 20 tonnes a day, the CEE said.

According to the inspection findings, effluent treatment plants existed at both units but were not being operated, and wastewater was discharged without treatment. Solid waste from processing, which should have been scientifically managed, was being burnt instead of disposed of properly. Officials also noted inadequate attention to maintaining green cover within the premises and to implementing required environmental protection measures.

Closure orders are being issued under the applicable provisions.

Across the State, the APPCB has collected samples from 82 units and found deviations in pH, floating solids and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in some of them. Ten units have been served show-cause notices and given two weeks to take corrective action. High BOD in wastewater reduces dissolved oxygen in water and harms aquatic life, particularly fish.

The APPCB Chairman said strict action would be taken against industries violating environmental norms, warning of legal consequences if waste management practices harmed public health, water resources or the environment. He said there would be no compromise in enforcing pollution control regulations and advised industries to give equal importance to waste management, pollution control and environmental protection alongside their operations. Inspections and action against negligent industries would continue, he added.