VPA Expands Dust Suppression Systems Across Cargo Yards
The meeting was led by MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivasa Yadav and deputy chairperson Roshni Aparanji Korati.
Visakhapatnam:The Visakhapatnam Port Authority held a stakeholder meeting on summer environmental management to strengthen pollution mitigation and dust control measures across cargo yards.
The meeting was led by MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivasa Yadav and deputy chairperson Roshni Aparanji Korati. Officials said the mechanical and electrical department has deployed four industrial sweeping machines and six fog cannons covering nearly 20 km of dock roads.
To curb dust from bulk cargo, 186 mechanical dust suppression sprinklers have been installed across major stack yards, supported by water sprinkling through 10 tanker trucks making about 180 trips daily. Measures to address water pollution include three floating trash barriers at inlet channels and an upgraded sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 15 MLD, with treated water reused for dust suppression.
Officials said the port’s 10 MW and 770 KW solar power plants have reduced carbon emissions by 8.27 MT of CO2. Mechanisation of coal and iron ore handling through the public–private partnership mode is under way to reduce manual operations. Additional steps include tarpaulin covers, closed conveyor systems, automated sprinklers and dust barrier walls.
“Green initiatives include a 6.65 lakh plantation drive and plans for one million more across the district. Continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations, effluent treatment plants, and eco-friendly measures such as CNG buses and jute bag distribution reinforce VPA’s commitment to sustainability,” says VPA deputy chairperson.
