Action taken report filed by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board on behalf of the Joint Committee in the matter of the National Green Tribunal order, July 20, 2022 (O.A. No. 164 of 2022).

The matter related to granite cutting and polishing units dumping marble and granite slurry on agricultural lands near Harichadrapuram railway station, Kotabommali mandal, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.

The committee noted that Srikakulam district has 128 granite cutting and polishing units. The Association of granite cutting and polishing units has lifted the waste being dumped along the agricultural land near Harischandrapuram railway gate and Yethurlapadu (V) of Kotabommali mandal, Srikakulam district. About 100 to 125 tons of sludge has been lifted and stacked the material within the storage areas of the units duly providing high density polyethylene (HDPE) lining to avoid ground water contamination as per the directions of the District Collector, Srikakulam and directions issued by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB).

The Committee observed that no granite waste was found stored/stacked near Harischandrapuram railway gate and other areas. The earlier dump was removed and the area has been restored. The Committee inspected all the stretches of granite cutting and polishing units to verify any illegal dumps. It was observed that no fresh dumps were observed along National Highway 16 and other roads.