Andhra Deputy CM orders scientific study of Godavari pollution
Pawan Kalyan directs APPCB to conduct a comprehensive study of Godavari pollution, testing river water and drains, using ₹100 crore conservation fund.
Deputy Chief Minister and Environment Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has directed the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to carry out a detailed scientific assessment of water pollution in the Godavari River between Rajamahendravaram and Antarvedi, along with the drains in the region.
The study will involve collecting water samples from the river, 15 main drains, and 45 minor drains for laboratory analysis to identify pollution levels and sources. Officials will also test sewage and untreated industrial waste entering the river through drains from 262 gram panchayats and urban local bodies.
A state-level task force, constituted in May and headed by the Principal Secretary of Environment and Forest along with the APPCB Member Secretary, will oversee the effort. District collectors from East Godavari, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, and West Godavari are part of the task force.
The APPCB has been instructed to use the ₹100 crore released in May for Godavari conservation to fund monitoring, the comprehensive study, and pollution-control measures. The initiative is aimed at preventing further deterioration of the river's water quality ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams in 2027.