APPCB warns Nellore rice mills on emissions, fines for violations

Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has urged the owners of 64 rice mills within Nellore city limits to operate their mills in compliance with the board’s guidelines and regulations. It has warned that heavy fines would be imposed on the mills if the dust emissions from their boilers cause air pollution in the city.

APPCB Environmental Engineer (EE) Ashok Kumar conducted an awareness meeting for the rice mill owners here on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasised that every mill owner bears the responsibility of preventing pollution that could harm public health. He stated that these meetings were being organised following the suggestions of Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.

The State government received complaints from the public regarding pollution caused by the rice mills. The APPCB Chairman P. Krishnaiah visited Nellore on Thursday and issued orders to shut down the rice mills that repeatedly violate the pollution norms. He clarified that the government was not opposed to them but aims to ensure they operate without causing inconvenience to the public.

Over the past two years, the APPCB Nellore regional office has been repeatedly advising the mill owners to install State-of-the-art machinery to prevent pollution emissions. Only 33 mill owners responded by installing equipment to curb dust emissions from their boilers. Mr. Ashok Kumar urged the remaining 31 mill owners also to take measures to comply with APPCB standards.

He also announced that a workshop would soon be conducted on the use and maintenance of the technical equipment required for pollution control. He stated that experts would raise awareness among employees regarding the maintenance of boilers and other machinery. He emphasised that mill owners must recognise the need to develop green belts at every mill.

The APPCB EE noted that value-added products could be manufactured at the mills and added that specific awareness sessions would be conducted regarding the types of products that could be produced. He urged everyone to focus on the matter, highlighting that the State government was serious about pollution control.