APPCB Imposes ₹210.1 million Environmental Compensation on Andhra Paper

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has imposed environmental compensation of ₹210.1 million on Andhra Paper Limited for continued non-compliance with environmental requirements, according to reports citing the state pollution control authorities.

The action follows concerns raised by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Environment and Forests Minister K. Pawan Kalyan over alleged pollution from the company’s Rajamahendravaram operations and its impact on the Godavari river ecosystem.

The APPCB had previously issued show-cause notices to Andhra Paper on May 28 and June 12, 2026, following environmental violations identified during an inspection of the Turpulanka sand shoals and surrounding areas. The board said the deficiencies and violations continued despite repeated directions, notices and opportunities to rectify them.

The dispute also concerns the disposal of treated effluent. A National Green Tribunal case record states that alternatives considered for the company included routing treated effluent through the Ava Drain for eventual discharge into the Bay of Bengal, or implementing a zero-liquid-discharge system.

Pawan Kalyan has also alleged that Andhra Paper contributes a significant share of Rajamahendravaram’s liquid waste. He separately raised the issue of ₹213.4 million in alleged unpaid local taxes to Katheru Gram Panchayat and Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation since 2016.