Industrial growth should not at the cost of environment, cautions APPCB Chief

Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairperson P. Krishnaiah on Wednesday (March 25) cautioned that the industrial growth and urban development should not be at the cost of environment.

Addressing industry leaders, policymakers and sustainability experts at the awareness session jointly conducted by APPCB and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Sri City here, he highlighted the proposed Great Green Wall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh as a part of the State’s drive towards 50% green cover. He called upon the industries to adopt native canopy trees.

Mr. Krishnaiah, who launched the green rating for industries in Andhra Pradesh, said: “Industrial growth is inevitable, but it must not override citizens’ health or environmental protection. Development and ecology must go hand in hand”.

Sri City Managing Director Ravindra Sannareddy explained the sustainability practices adopted in Sri City – from green buildings and renewable energy integration to efficient water and waste management systems.

Nihal Kaul, Chairperson of CII GreenCo’s South Andhra Pradesh cluster, spoke on disciplined optimisation of energy, water and waste that would deliver environmental and operational gains.

CII Green Business Centre’s deputy executive director N. Muthusezhiyan spoke on GreenCo and IGBC ratings as providing ‘measurable’ sustainability in energy, waste, water and supply chains.