Citizens' groups raise concerns over pollution enforcement

Two civil society organisations, the Greater Visakhapatnam Citizens’ Forum (GVCF) and the Human Rights Forum (HRF), have called for a comprehensive review of industrial pollution violations in and around Visakhapatnam.

In a joint statement issued on November 11, GVCF president Sohan Hattangadi and HRF AP and Telangana Coordination Committee member V.S. Krishna questioned the effectiveness of enforcement measures taken by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB).

The organisations alleged that inspections, notices and monetary penalties had failed to prevent repeated environmental violations by some industries and commercial establishments.

Demand for independent environmental assessment

The groups have sought an independent scientific assessment of air, water and soil quality across Visakhapatnam and its industrial belt. They have also called for a systematic study to understand the possible impact of pollution on the health of people living in affected areas.

Their demands include making inspection reports, identified violations, penalties imposed and compliance with corrective measures available to the public. According to the organisations, greater transparency would help residents understand the extent of pollution and the action being taken by regulatory authorities.

Call for stricter action against repeat offenders

The GVCF and HRF have urged authorities to move beyond monetary penalties when dealing with establishments that repeatedly violate environmental regulations.

They have called for suspension of operations and closure of units where repeated violations warrant such action. The organisations have also demanded accountability for regulatory failures and said industries responsible for pollution should bear the costs of environmental restoration.

Their position is that fines alone cannot ensure compliance if offending establishments continue operations without implementing corrective measures.

Concerns raised ahead of CII Partnership Summit

The statement comes as Visakhapatnam prepares to host the 31st CII Partnership Summit on November 12 and 13, 2026.

The organisations said efforts to attract domestic and international investment should go hand in hand with environmental protection and public health safeguards. They argued that industrial expansion must not come at the expense of the city's residents and surrounding environment.

Focus on transparency and environmental accountability

The latest demand brings renewed attention to environmental monitoring and regulatory enforcement in Visakhapatnam's industrial areas. The organisations have called for independent assessments, public disclosure of compliance information and stronger action against repeat offenders.

The demands are those of the two civil society organisations. The report does not identify specific industries accused of repeated violations or include a response from the APPCB. Any findings of individual violations would need to be established through official inspections and documented evidence.