Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on Monday (May 25, 2026) directed Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation authorities to prepare an action plan to prevent the release of untreated sewage and effluents from Andhra Paper Limited’s mill into the river Godavari in Rajamahendravaram city.
Accompanied by Mission Director of the Mission for Clean Krishna, Godavari Canals G.C. Kishore Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board chairman P. Krishnaiah, Mr. Pawan Kalyan inspected the sites from where untreated effluents and sewage water are being allowed into the Godavari river.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan inspecting the sites where untreated sewage and effluents enter the Godavari, in Rajamahendravaram on Monday.
Video: I&PR A.P. pic.twitter.com/hy44MOCyqo
Sailing on a punt, Mr. Pawan Kalyan, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar and Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh inspected the river Godavari along the ghats between Pushkar Ghat and Kotligalaghat, where Andhra Paper Limited releases its effluents into the river.
Asked about the levels of water pollution in the river Godavari, Rajamahendravaram Municipal Commissioner Rahul Meena claimed that only 15% of the 55 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage water is being treated near Kotilingala Ghat. The water samples collected from the Godavari river were also reviewed. The sewage water generated from the entire city is also let into the river through sewage drains.
Mr. Pawan Kalyan directed Mr. Rahul Meena to come up with an action plan with a permanent solution, preventing entry of effluents and untreated sewage water into the river Godavari. “The Godavari Pushkarams-2027 will be a global event. It will be an occasion to commit to achieving ‘zero pollution’ of river Godavari. The fund flow can be pursued if the action plan is ready,” he said.
'కాలుష్యరహిత గోదావరి పుష్కరాలు' నిర్వహణకు ప్రభుత్వం కట్టుబడి ఉంది
* గోదావరిలో కలిసే కాలుష్య జలాలపై సమగ్ర ఆడిట్ చేపట్టాలి
* నిజాయతీగా కాలుష్య నివారణలో పనులు చేద్దాం
* సమస్య ఎక్కడుందో తెలుసుకుంటే ఆచరణ సులభం అవుతుంది
* ఆంధ్ర పేపర్ మిల్స్ వ్యర్థజలాల నిర్వహణకు వేగంగా… pic.twitter.com/hNg4G5r9Dv
On the return journey, Mr. Pawan Kalyan reviewed the ongoing Godavari beautification works at Pushkar Ghat and other ghats. East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri, Rajamahendravaram City MLA Adireddi Srinivas, Rajamahendravaram Rural MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary and other officials were present.
At a meeting with the managements of companies operating along the Godavari, Mr. Pawan Kalyan ordered a fresh pollution audit of the river by the East Godavari district authorities and other stakeholders before the action plan is finalised. “No effluent should be allowed into the river without treating,” he said.
He said Andhra Paper Limited and the Andhra Sugars unit had been releasing effluents without proper treatment, polluting the Godavari. Andhra Paper Limited would have to set up a new effluent treatment plant before the Pushkarams, and effluents would not be allowed into the river, he said.
The Andhra Paper Limited management said it had already prepared plans to build the effluent treatment plant.
Mr. Pawan Kalyan appealed to the State government to guarantee pure water in the river for the Pushkarams. “The State government is open for dialogue with the managements of the companies causing pollution of the river Godavari. However, the companies should guarantee their mitigation measures to prevent water pollution,” he said.
Published - May 25, 2026 01:28 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
