RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday directed the Environment and Forest Department to submit a detailed report on pollution in the Godavari River within two days.
He also instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan by June 25 for implementing anti-pollution measures and developing a model Pushkar ghat at Munikudali near Rajamahendravaram.
Addressing a high-level review meeting at the Municipal Corporation office, Pawan Kalyan instructed officials to launch a large-scale awareness campaign against plastic usage in the river belt. He announced that nearly ₹100 crore would be released for a special anti-pollution drive aimed at protecting the river ecosystem.
Expressing deep concern over untreated sewage entering the river, the Deputy Chief Minister revealed that Rajamahendravaram city generates nearly 75 MLD (million litres per day) of sewage, but only 30 MLD is currently treated, leaving the remaining 45 MLD to flow directly into the Godavari.
Furthermore, he noted that around five million metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated in the city, much of which ultimately ends up polluting the river.