Background
The Andhra Pradesh Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982 were framed under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 to regulate and monitor air pollution in the state. These rules empower the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to enforce standards for emissions, prescribe reporting requirements, mandate audits, and ensure scientific disposal of waste. The framework was established to safeguard public health and the environment by minimizing the adverse effects of industrial and other polluting activities.
Applicability
The Rules apply to all industries, factories, mines, operations, or processes in Andhra Pradesh that require consent under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. This includes obligations related to submission of annual and audited compliance statements, installation of online monitoring systems, and adherence to standards for waste treatment and scientific disposal of hazardous and other wastes. Both new and existing establishments carrying out polluting activities must comply with these provisions.
Compliance requirement under the Rules
Every person or occupier carrying on any industry, factory, mine, operation, or process and all other activities requiring consent under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 shall submit an Annual Compliance Statement to the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) in the prescribed format every year on or before 30th September, along with the Environmental Statement as required under Rule 14 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. Such statements must also be placed on the website of the occupier and APPCB with a provision to obtain comments/remarks from any Indian resident for a minimum period of 15 days.
The APPCB may notify the date and type of industries and activities that are required to submit Audited Annual Compliance Statement and Audited Environmental Statement. Such statements shall be audited by an Environment Quality Assessment Auditor empanelled and notified by the APPCB.
The APPCB may notify any person or occupier carrying on any industry, factory, mine, operation, or process to install an online continuous emission monitoring system and transmit monitoring data in real-time to centralized monitoring stations at the Head, Zonal, or Regional offices of the APPCB.
Every person or occupier carrying on any industry, factory, mine, operation, or process and all other activities requiring consent under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 shall ensure adequate treatment of waste and scientific disposal of hazardous and other wastes through authorized agencies notified by APPCB to enable continuous waste disposal monitoring.
Penalties & Punishments
Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982 form a crucial compliance framework for industries to control emissions and waste. By mandating periodic reporting, monitoring, and waste management, these rules ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous oversight of polluting activities. Their enforcement contributes to sustainable industrial growth while safeguarding environmental and public health in the state.
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