No vendetta politics in tackling industrial pollution, says Pawan Kalyan

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Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday assured that the State government’s approach to addressing industrial pollution would be transparent, fair, and free of political vendetta. 

Replying to a question raised by Galla Madhavi and others in the Assembly, he stressed that the intention is not to intimidate industrialists but to work with them constructively. “If we act against polluting industries, there is a danger of being accused of vendetta, as happened with the previous government. Our intention is not to intimidate industrialists but to sit with them, explain the issues, and work out solutions. What happened in the past will not happen now,” he said, adding that a cooperative approach will define the government’s policy.

Earlier, TDP MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao sought to know why the Pollution Control Board (PCB) is not taking any action against Ramky industries belonging to YSRCP MP Ayodhya Rami Reddy. 

Mr. Pawan Kalyan said, “It is not just a case of Ramky. I can quote 25 to 50 such cases. Our government is keen on addressing the problem, but not (resorting to) vendetta politics and scare away the industrialists.” 

Environmental protection is a shared responsibility of industries, officials, and citizens. A detailed action plan for plastic waste management would be rolled out within the next two to three months, with a special Assembly discussion on environment and pollution scheduled for the next session, he said.

About the pollution of canals etc. in the cities and towns, it is the responsibility of municipal corporations and municipalities to address the pollution issues. The PCB alone cannot be blamed, he remarked.

Mr. Kalyan also highlighted the State’s resolve to eliminate single-use plastics and move toward a plastic-free society, while pointing out that a ban on single-use plastics is already in place, but enforcement remains weak on the ground.  “Single-use plastics are causing immense environmental damage. Even in the Assembly, the ban is not being strictly followed. Flex banners must also be curbed, though we are mindful of the livelihoods connected with them. Biodegradable alternatives will be promoted, and large-scale awareness campaigns will be launched,” he explained.

Pointing out that plastics take nearly 300 years to decompose, Mr. Kalyan warned about the alarming presence of micro and nano plastics in the stomachs of animals and even in the bloodstreams of infants. He announced that a comprehensive action plan for plastic waste management would be unveiled within two to three months.

The Secretariat has already been declared plastic-free, with water now being served in glass bottles. Villages that achieve plastic-free status will be incentivised on the lines of Nirmal Gram Puraskar, while recycling units, biodegradable industries, and parks under the circular economy framework will be developed, the Deputy Chief Minister added.