Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha Member of Parliament, Mr Matukumilli Sribharat today called upon Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal in Delhi and submitted a memorandum requesting him to take necessary steps to effectively control the pollution caused by port activities in Visakhapatnam city.
He stated in the letter that in the context of Visakhapatnam’s geographical conditions and increasing industrial activities, environmental protection needs to be given top priority.
This meeting of his was a follow up of the high-level review meeting he had held with officials of Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), District Administration, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Adani Gangavaram Port, major port operators and other concerned departments at the Visakhapatnam Collectorate on the 10th of last month.
He mentioned that in that meeting, the dust pollution caused by the loading, unloading, storage and transportation processes of goods in the port areas was discussed extensively and time-bound preventive measures were identified.
The MP explained that due to the bowl-shaped geographical structure of Visakhapatnam, the pollutant particles in the air do not spread easily and remain in the city, especially the port activities are one of the main reasons for the increase in PM₁₀, PM₂.₅ levels.
He said that despite the measures taken by Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Adani Gangavaram Port, such as mechanization, fog cannons, automated sprinklers, HDPE covering, truck tire cleaning system, and development of green buffer zones, public concerns over pollution still persist.
Pollution Mitigation Measures
Mr Sribharat therefore urged the shipping ministry for the following: Accelerate implementation of the Harit Sagar – Green Port Guidelines, 2023; Issue a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Dust-Free Bulk Cargo Handling under the Harit Sagar framework for all major ports handling coal, iron ore, bauxite, limestone, fertilisers and other dusty bulk cargo; Establish a robust Environmental Accountability Framework for ports and cargo handling agencies; Strengthen environmental monitoring & Institute a Quarterly Environmental Review Mechanism.
Sustainable port-led growth, he said, must be accompanied by the highest standards of environmental stewardship, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of the health and quality of life of the people of Visakhapatnam.
