EnvironmentMonday, 12 October 2026·The Hindu - Environment
Visakhapatnam air pollution: APPCB fines 10 industries ₹16.33 crore after 259 of 382 days crossed national AQI standard
APPCB imposed ₹16.33 crore environmental compensation on 10 industries in Visakhapatnam after air quality stayed above the national standard on 259 of 382 days.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) imposed environmental compensation of ₹16.33 crore on 10 industries in Visakhapatnam after data from September 2025 to September 2026 showed repeated AQI violations.
Key specifics
- The APPCB fined 10 industries a total of ₹16,32,75,000 for violating environmental norms.
- Visakhapatnam’s air quality was above the national standard of 100 on 259 of 382 days.
- In December 2025, 25 of 30 daily AQI readings were in the ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ categories.
- The average AQI in December 2025 was 255, compared with 88 in October 2025.
- PM10 monthly averages in December ranged from 144 µg/m³ at Sitammadhara to 237 µg/m³ at the GVMC Building station.
Exam lens
Environment MCQ focus: AQI categories, APPCB action, ₹16.33 crore compensation, 259 of 382 days above standard, winter inversion and bowl-shaped terrain in Visakhapatnam.