VPT striving to curb pollution

Visakhapatnam: The advanced precautionary measures taken up by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust has been spending huge amounts to curb air pollution while handling cargo. In order maintain zero pollution from the coal and iron ore handling, mechanisation of coal and iron cargo project was taken up under PPP mode at cost of Rs.2,000 crore.

The Green Belt was developed around the stack yards. Plantation programme is being pursued by VPT on a continuous process. To compensate the lost greenery during HudHud in 2014 the VPT planted 1.50 lakh saplings. Another 2 lakh shelterbelt plantations, at a cost of Rs.2.30 crore was already taken up in association with AP Forest Department and completed.

A 10 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is in operation and about 7 MLD treated water is being used for suppression of dust through mechanical dust suppression system on Coal and Iron ore storages and sprinkling of water on roads and meeting the industrial requirements.

The VPT constructed high-rise walls at city interface (of 7.5 mts + 4m height) for 4.2 KM long from convent junction to H-8 Junction at a cost of about Rs.24 crores, to control the air pollution, said Deputy Chairman of VPT P L Haranadh.

The VPT has floated global tender to design covered storage areas to bring down the dust pollution, closer to zero level. The Ministry of Shipping agreed to grant 50 percent against the total cost of the project.