Andhra to collect 'Green Tax'

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh government is set to collect a ‘Green Tax’ besides imposing a ban on single-use plastic to keep a check on industrial pollution, said Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday. While conducting a review meeting with the Forest and Environment Department (FED) on Thursday, the CM took some significant decisions to prevent higher pollution levels and its impact on society.

Jagan directed FED officials to prepare a proposal within a month to promote the protection of the environment and prevention of pollution. “How can our future generation survive if we do not protect our nature? Our state should inspire the nation,” the CM said. He asked officials to study and observe the successful methods taken by other countries in preserving the environment and controlling pollution.

Similar to Mission Godavari, the CM wants a programme for the protection of the environment. “I have discussed with French delegates about solid waste management. Every government and private hospital should have a waste management department,” he said. The Chief Minister also wants to establish a committee consisting of dedicated experts for pollution control.

Giving details on industrial pollution, Chief Minister said, “Pharma companies generate about one lakh tonne of waste, but only 30 per cent of it is refined. The remaining is left into the open, polluting the environment.”

‘’Jagan said that the central and state governments had identified a few hatchery zones in the state and the country. According to norms, industries cannot be established in those specific zones. “However, I don’t understand how permissions were given to pharma companies in the state to set up in the zone,” he added.

Jagan took a serious view of the pollution levels in Visakhapatnam. “Pollution levels in the district are very high, and it needs to be immediately handled. Else there will be severe consequences.”

To protect crop canals, Jagan directed Aqua industries to refine their waste material. “Today, AP stands first in the country in exporting sea products. The current pollution control board should be purified. At the same time, industries should not be affected,” he said.