K Pawan Kalyan Slams Jana Sena Minister on Godavari Pollution

Kakinada: Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan recently brought to light the persistent issue of pollution in the Godavari river, addressing tourism minister Kandula Durgesh and his cabinet colleagues. The deputy chief minister cited industrial effluents discharged by a local paper mill as a major contributor to the environmental degradation. He questioned why appropriate measures were not being taken to curb this illegal release into the river.

Responding to Kalyan's concerns, Durgesh admitted that efforts to regulate the local paper mills have been challenging due to potential impacts on industrial investments. Despite daily battles with the mill over environmental compliance, they were unable to enforce stricter regulations without threatening economic development opportunities in the region.

The deputy CM emphasized Health as a Priority over Employment. He highlighted that people bathe and perform religious rituals in the Godavari river, risking health complications due to contaminated waters. Kalyan's comments echo his past criticisms of the YSRCP's lack of attention towards environmental issues.

Field-Level Inspection Exposes Pollution Levels

A joint inspection by ministers and officials revealed severe pollution at Turpulanka, situated on the Godavari river. The local paper mill was found discharging untreated effluents into the river, prompting Kalyan to call for urgent treatment before release. The deputy chief minister insisted that industrial units need to comply strictly with water quality norms.

During the inspection, Kalyan directed officials to recover Rs 13 crore in arrears from the paper mill management and submit a detailed report outlining pollution issues, to be discussed at an upcoming cabinet meeting. His stance is seen as part of his broader efforts to address environmental concerns across the state.