CNG likely for vehicles in Vizag soon

There is a proposal by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) to build a gas grid from Visakhapatnam to Tirupati, and if that becomes a reality, it will be possible to supply CNG to vehicles in Visakhapatnam and reduce pollution, according to K Haribabu, member of Lok Sabha from Visakhapatnam.

He was addressing a meeting organised by Chaitanya Sravanthi, a women’s organisation, here on Thursday on the increasing pollution levels in the city and the need for pursuing ecologically sustainable development.

He said the pollution caused by the Visakhapatnam port had always been a matter of concern, and of late, the port authorities had taken certain steps to reduce it but they were not sufficient.

“I suggest that experts in Andhra University and Geetam University prepare a report on the issue and I shall persuade the port authorities to take the requisite steps. In fact, the port authorities are willing to spend ₹60 crores or so over the next three to four years to reduce the pollution to the minimum,” he said.

He said it should be borne in mind that Visakhapatnam port, a natural harbour, had contributed greatly to the growth of the city, “but at the same time as it handles bulk cargo such as coal, iron ore and others, pollution has become a matter of concern. But technologies are now available to reduce it to the minimum. I shall make earnest efforts to curb pollution in the city,” he promised.

CV Chalapathi Rao, a senior scientist from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, said several reports had been prepared in the past on containing pollution in Visakhapatnam, and the suggestions should be implemented sincerely. “Given the political will, it is not difficult to find solutions to the problem of pollution. Technologies are available and they are not very expensive either. It is necessary to pursue a path of ecologically sustainable development,” he said.

Shireen Rehman, president of the women’s organisation, presided over the meeting.

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