Pawan Kalyan Orders Strict Action Against Andhra Paper Over Pollution, Tax Dues

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to initiate strict action against Andhra Paper Limited in Rajamahendravaram over alleged pollution violations and long-pending tax dues to local bodies.

Pawan Kalyan expressed serious concern over the company’s environmental impact, saying the paper mill contributes nearly half of the liquid waste generated in Rajamahendravaram. He also said the company had not paid taxes to Katheeru Gram Panchayat and Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation since 2016, with outstanding dues estimated at Rs 21.34 crore.

The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the company had repeatedly approached courts whenever tax notices were issued, delaying payment and avoiding its responsibilities to local authorities.

He said Rajamahendravaram generates around 70 million litres of liquid waste every day, with approximately 35 million litres coming from Andhra Paper. Tests conducted on samples collected from the company’s lagoons reportedly found BOD levels of 36 mg per litre, about 20 per cent above the prescribed limit. Phosphate levels stood at 5.3 mg per litre, while sulphides were recorded at 3.4 mg per litre—around 70 per cent above Central Pollution Control Board standards, according to Pawan Kalyan.

He warned that untreated or inadequately treated industrial discharge could lower oxygen levels in water, threaten aquatic life and damage the Godavari ecosystem. Foul odour and declining water quality could also affect public health, he added.

Pawan Kalyan said authorities had initially avoided harsher measures such as shutting down operations, imposing penalties, sealing the unit or cancelling its licence. Instead, show-cause notices were issued, while Pollution Control Board officials held several discussions with company representatives over the past three months and suggested corrective measures.

As there was no satisfactory response, Pawan Kalyan ordered Pollution Control Board officials to immediately issue summons to Andhra Paper Limited and proceed according to law.

He further asked the Advocate General, Additional Advocate General and government lawyers to take steps to expedite related court cases.

Urging wider public participation, Pawan Kalyan called on environmental organisations and civil society groups to support the government’s ‘Clean Godavari–Sacred Pushkarams’ initiative and help protect the river’s ecological health.