Visakhapatnam, the financial capital and tourist haven of Andhra Pradesh, is currently suffering from pollution. The city, which once basked in the pleasant sea breeze, is now filled with toxic coal dust. Although the operations of Visakha and Gangavaram ports play a vital role in the development of the city, the gross failures in cargo handling and transportation there are making the lives of the local people hellish. The dust is spread over the city whenever the wind blows, mainly due to the storage of coal and iron ore in open yards. Due to careless actions like not covering tarpaulins while transporting these minerals by lorries, not sprinkling water through water guns and sprinklers on the stock piles, the pollutants in the air are increasing exponentially. Where cargo is supposed to be kept closed as per regulations, it is being left in the open, leaving the city covered in a black layer.
The effect of this pollution is directly affecting the health of the people. In many parts of the city, the locals are suffering from asthma, lung diseases, serious eye problems and heart diseases. It is especially worrisome that infants have trouble breathing. The women express their concern that black coal dust is getting into the houses and they have to sweep the house ten times a day. The condition of the Gangavaram villagers is even worse; They are demanding that the government should resettle them elsewhere as they are unable to stay in the village where they were born and brought up. Environmental experts are warning that the air pollution in Visakhapatnam has reached the level of the national capital Delhi. To prevent this, they suggest that it is imperative to establish a green belt around the ports and heavy industries by planting thick trees for at least 100 feet.
On the other hand, if Moolapeta port in Srikakulam district becomes available soon, the majority of the cargo coming to Visakhapatnam is likely to shift there, thus reducing the pressure on Visakhapatnam and reducing pollution. The Pollution Control Board has only imposed fines to ensure cargo handling is carried out as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
