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Hans India
4 hours ago
- General
- Hans India
Single-use plastic banned in temples across state
Vijayawada: A significant step toward making Andhra Pradesh's spiritual sites plastic-free was taken on Friday with the statewide implementation of a ban on single-use plastics in temples. The initiative, led by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), aims to promote environmental sustainability and reduce plastic waste. Chairman of the APPCB Dr P Krishnayya announced the milestone, crediting the support of key state leaders. 'The directives of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the commitment of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the support of endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, and the guidance of the APPCB have made this historic decision possible,' he stated. He also expressed gratitude to endowments commissioner Ramachandra Mohan for his efforts in ending the use of single-use plastics in temples. The initiative will begin with Sri Kanaka Durga temple and the Malleswara Swamy temple in Vijayawada, with plans to expand to over 120 major temples across the state. The renowned Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was cited as a forerunner in this movement, having already implemented a ban on plastic water bottles and using biodegradable covers for its famous Laddu Prasadam. Under the new rules, plastic carry bags, bottles, disposable plates, and cups will be prohibited within temple premises. Devotees, vendors, and staff are being encouraged to switch to eco-friendly alternatives like cloth bags, steel tumblers, and leaf plates. 'Lakhs of devotees visit temples every year. This effort will significantly reduce plastic waste, increase environmental awareness, and serve as a model for green spiritual tourism,' Dr Krishnayya said. He urged temple managements to enforce the ban strictly and conduct awareness programs for the public. This initiative is part of a broader vision to enhance public health and maintain cleanliness around temples while preserving traditions in an environmentally friendly manner. Dr Krishnayya congratulated the endowments department for blending spirituality with environmental protection and called on everyone to join the cause of making temples in Andhra Pradesh plastic-free.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nakkapalli Bulk Drug Park project opposed at public hearing
Mild tension prevailed at the public hearing conducted by Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) on the Bulk Drug Park (BDP) project proposed at Nakkapalli on Wednesday, with the police detaining CPI(M) leaders and activists on charges of obstructing the programme. CPI(M) Central Committee leader K. Lokanatham, who was detained, said that this public hearing for the bulk drug project was held after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project in January this year. 'Not only the local residents but also a section of leaders and activists of the ruling coalition partners are opposing the project. However, the government is using the police force to conduct the public hearing without giving all stakeholders a chance to speak their mind,' Mr. Lokanatham said. The CPI(M) leader said that he was detained by the police during the public hearing and taken to S. Rayavaram police station, around 15 km from the venue. 'The police released me in the evening. A total of six candidates from our party were also detained,' he said. CPI(M) Anakapalli district secretary G. Koteswara Rao told the media that many locals and environmentalists raised red flags about the environmental and public health risks posed by the bulk drug park project. 'With this project, Nakkapalli will become like Jeedimetla of Hyderabad. We all saw how some areas such as Patancheru, Bollaram, Sangareddy, Jeedimetla in Hyderabad are suffering due to pollution and poisonous gases emitted by the industrial units there,' he said. People from fishing villages attended the public hearing held near the MRO office in Nakkapalli. They protested against the project. 'We are already witnessing recurrent accidents in pharma companies in Parawada mandal. Nakkapalli is proposed to be a bigger pharmaceutical hub than Parawada. The government shifted the project from Kakinada after facing strong opposition there,' said a villager. As per the guidelines for the scheme for promotion of BDPs introduced by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in March 2020, the BDP project was proposed at Nakkapalli in Andhra Pradesh Bulk Drug Park in 1270.80 acres by M/s Andhra Pradesh Bulk Drug Infrastructure Corporation Limited. The total estimated project cost is ₹1257.75 crore.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
APPCB chief scientist urges people to opt for eco-friendly rakhis
Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board's (APPCB) joint environmental chief scientist, M Sree Ranjani, has appealed to people to use environmentally friendly rakhis, particularly those made with native seeds that can help grow new trees. This appeal was made during an event organized by the Green Climate Team NGO, where students participated in making seed rakhis as part of the 'Vriksha Bandhan' initiative. The event aimed to spread awareness about environmental protection and promote eco-friendly practices. Ranjani emphasized the importance of consuming nature-based products and living an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Meanwhile, regional environmental engineer P Mukunda Rao highlighted the need to instill environmental awareness in students and encouraged the youth to play a vital role in environmental conservation. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
APPCB audits target CETPs in industrial zones of Anakapalli
Visakhapatnam: AP pollution control board (APPCB) chairman Dr P Krishnaiah conducted a surprise inspection of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) located in Anakapalli on Saturday. The former IAS officer inspected several facilities, including the coastal waste management project at JN Pharma City in Parawada mandal, Brandix India apparel city, which includes both a CETP and incinerator, at APSEZ in Atchutapuram; and Atchutapuram effluent treatment plant 1.5MLD CETP (phase 1). According to officials, the purpose of the visit was to review the operational status, compliance with environmental norms, and efficiency of wastewater treatment at these facilities. The chairman interacted with plant operators, verified records, and inspected key infrastructure, including primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment units. He spoke about the importance of maintaining strict adherence to discharge standards and directed the operators concerned to take corrective actions wherever lapses were observed. Krishnaiah reiterated APPCB's commitment to ensuring that industrial development proceeds in an environmentally sustainable manner. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Meanwhile, the state govt has appointed Dr Panchakarla Naga Sandeep and Dr Bhagavathula Venkata Sandeep, both from Visakhapatnam, along with Nagalapati Nageshwara Raju from Chittoor district as non-official members of APPCB. They will serve a three-year term from the date of notification. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Eco concern raised over bulk drug park in Andhra's Anakapalli
VISAKHAPATNAM: The State government's proposal to set up a Bulk Drug Park at Nakkapalli in Anakapalli has drawn mixed reactions. While industry leaders welcomed the move as a step toward industrial development and job creation, environmental groups have raised red flags about the potential ecological and public health risks. Jal Biradari, a water conservation network founded by environmentalist Dr Rajendra Singh, issued a statement urging the government and the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to proceed cautiously and responsibly. Drawing on experiences from Telangana's Patancheru, Bollaram, Sangareddy, and Jeedimetla, the group warned of the long-term consequences of unchecked bulk drug manufacturing. These include chemical contamination of rivers and groundwater, farmland degradation, rising chronic illnesses, and industrial accidents affecting workers and local communities. Biradari stressed that these examples should serve as warnings to AP. To mitigate risks, the organisation proposed a series of safeguards. It called for independent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) conducted by credible, transparent institutions and truly inclusive public hearings to ensure local voices are heard. The group advocated for mandatory Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, frequent audits of effluent treatment, and real-time environmental monitoring with public data access. It cautioned against permitting such projects in ecologically sensitive areas without thorough risk assessments. Jal Biradari emphasised the importance of balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability and urged active citizen, media, and political engagement to ensure accountability.
