95 Pharma Units Served Show-Cause Notices Over Waste Discharge In Parawada

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has issued show-cause notices to 95 industries operating in the Parawada Pharma City following complaints of black-coloured water and foul odour from drains and stormwater channels in the area.

The inspections were conducted following directions from Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, after a video showing black water flowing near Parawada Pharma City was posted on Instagram on Friday. Responding to the social media complaint, Pawan Kalyan directed APPCB officials to conduct a field inspection and submit a detailed report on the ground situation.

During the inspection, officials examined sewage drains and stormwater channels at several locations and collected water samples for analysis. The APPCB said it found indications that untreated waste-laden water was being discharged into stormwater drains.

The pollution control board has sought explanations from all 95 industries regarding the suspected discharge and the foul odour reported from the area. The companies have been given seven days to submit their responses and provide satisfactory explanations.

Along with the notices, APPCB has directed the industries to undertake corrective measures to prevent further pollution. These include making arrangements to collect and store rainwater and ensuring that sewage and contaminated water do not leave industrial premises.

The industries have also been instructed to ensure the regular scientific handling of effluents and hazardous waste, install required scrubbers and undertake online monitoring. They have been asked to install date- and time-stamped CCTV cameras and preserve footage related to treated waste for at least six months.

The APPCB further directed the units to strictly comply with conditions attached to their Consent to Operate (CTO) and hazardous-waste authorisations. It also advised them to adopt digital systems to make waste-management practices more transparent.

The pollution control board warned that if illegal discharge of sewage, hazardous waste or by-products is established, appropriate action will be taken under environmental regulations. APPCB officials have submitted a detailed report covering the inspections, show-cause notices and corrective measures to the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office.