Vijayawada: Deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan on Thursday made it clear that the govt will strictly regulate industrial pollution but will not allow industries to be threatened or forced out of the state. He also ordered a probe into Vijayawada legislator Bonda Umamaheswara Rao’s personal attack on AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) chairman P Krishnaiah.Shortly after the discussion in the assembly, the deputy CM reviewed the issue with APPCB officials in his chamber. “The govt will ensure environmental norms are enforced. But we will not permit a situation where industry operators are intimidated and driven away. Such practices may have happened under previous regimes, but they have no place in our administration,” he asserted.Taking exception to Umamaheswara Rao’s remarks, he said they appeared threatening in nature and personally targeted. Seeking clarity, he enquired with Krishnaiah about the background of the issue. The chairman explained that a complaint was lodged in Feb regarding Krebs Biochemicals, based on which PCB conducted an inquiry and initiated action. Pawan directed officials to prepare a detailed report on the matter, which he said would be placed before chief minister Chandrababu Naidu for review.Reiterating the govt’s stand, he said the coalition govt would maintain a balance between industrial growth and environmental protection. “We will act firmly against pollution and ensure compliance with rules, but intimidation and personal targeting of officials or industries will not be tolerated,” he reiterated.
