RPC Seeks Action Against Paper Mill Over Alleged Godavari Pollution; Complaint Filed Ahead of Pushkaram 2027

Rajahmundry – AP: Alleging that industrial pollution from a paper mill is endangering public health, contaminating the sacred Godavari River, and threatening the sentiments of devotees ahead of the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram, the Rashtriya Praja Congress (RPC) has lodged a formal complaint with the Rajahmundry III-Town Police Station seeking legal and departmental action against the mill management and concerned government officials.

The complaint, submitted under the leadership of RPC Founder President Meda Srinivas, calls for criminal proceedings against the paper mill management, officials of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), and the Rajahmundry Municipal Corporation, alleging negligence, abuse of authority, and failure to prevent environmental violations.

Complaint alleges threat to health of nearly eight lakh residents

RPC leaders alleged that the paper mill’s operations are causing extensive air and water pollution, adversely affecting the health of nearly eight lakh residents in and around Rajahmundry.

According to the complaint, untreated chemical waste discharged into the Godavari River and industrial emissions released into the atmosphere have allegedly resulted in a range of public health concerns, including respiratory ailments, asthma, skin diseases, eye irritation, hair loss, weakened immunity, and other chronic health issues.

The RPC further claimed that drinking water contamination and environmental degradation are affecting both human and animal health, while agricultural lands and crops in the Godavari basin are also reportedly suffering damage.

Action sought against pollution control board and municipal officials

RPC leaders alleged that officials responsible for monitoring environmental compliance had failed to discharge their duties effectively.

The complaint contends that certain officials of the Pollution Control Board and Rajahmundry Municipal Corporation ignored violations allegedly committed by the paper mill and failed to take timely corrective measures despite evidence of pollution.

The party has demanded departmental action against officials found responsible for permitting or overlooking environmental violations.

Statements of Deputy Chief Minister and officials should be recorded

RPC leaders also urged authorities to record the statements of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and other officials who had previously spoken about pollution concerns relating to the Godavari region.

According to the complaint, public discussions and reports concerning water and air pollution issues require thorough investigation, and all relevant stakeholders should be examined as part of any inquiry.

Media reports and government findings cited

The complaint references reports published in prominent Telugu newspapers and claims that scientific examinations of industrial discharge had highlighted the presence of hazardous pollutants entering the Godavari River.

RPC leaders asserted that reports available in the public domain indicated concerns regarding environmental compliance and alleged that government agencies had already taken note of certain violations.

The party maintained that protecting the Godavari river was essential not only for environmental reasons but also because of its religious and cultural significance, particularly with the 2027 Pushkaram approaching.

Legal provisions invoked in complaint

Meda Srinivas stated that the complaint seeks action under various environmental, public health, and criminal provisions, including:

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Article 21 of the Constitution of India relating to the right to life

The complaint calls for both criminal prosecution and departmental proceedings against those found responsible.

RPC demands protection of Godavari and public health

Prior to submitting the complaint, RPC leaders and party workers organized a rally from the party office to the III-Town Police Station.

Participants raised slogans demanding:

Protection of Godavari waters,
Supply of clean drinking water,
Legal action against the paper mill management,
Accountability of responsible officials,
Measures to curb industrial air pollution,
Relocation of the paper mill to a non-residential area, and
Special safeguards ahead of the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram.

Large number of party leaders participate

The protest and complaint submission witnessed the participation of several RPC leaders and party activists, including Pendyala Kamaraju, D.V. Ramana Murthy, Lanka Durga Prasad, Dudde Suresh, Gudla Sai Durga Prasad, Vardhanapu Sarath Kumar, Meda Chinnari, Kolli Satyanarayana, Pandranki Eswara Rao, Yedida Babulu, Pasupuleti Veerraju, Masa Lakshmi, Bodapati Suvarna Venu, Pasupuleti Susheela, and Padmanabham Dhanassu.

Demand for strong action before Pushkaram

RPC leaders stated that protecting the sanctity of the Godavari river and safeguarding public health should be treated as a priority before the 2027 Pushkaram festival. They urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations and initiate stringent action against all those found responsible for environmental violations.