The haphazard industrial development in and around Visakhapatnam and lack of control and enforcement of surrounding "land uses" are mainly responsible for many of the environmental problems, namely air, water, marine and solid pollution, adversely affecting the quality of life and the livelihood of the people living in the areas.

The increased industrial activities, in and around Visakhapatnam, by their stack emissions, are likely to add to SPM, SOx and NOx, to already unacceptable levels of ambient air quality, reaching hazardous levels. Because of high humidity in the area, the SO2 can easily settle down as H2SO4 (Acid Rain) having disastrous effects on human beings, crops, vegetation, water bodies etc. The industrial effluents being discharged into sea has adversely affected the marine life and Seagulls, have become a rarity along Visakha Coast.

The Visakhapatnam port area (Bowl Area) is already over crowded with a number of industrial and commercial activities. Taking into account the future plans of the port, for additional berths and container cargo handling facilities and the risk potential of the existing activities, the establishment of new industrial activities should not be permitted in the port area. NEERI and CPCB are also understood to have recommended the same.

Taking into consideration the fragile nature of coast line and the area north of Visakhapatnam, the industrial development of this area is to be confined to industries based on the mineral resources, marine products and agricultural and horticultural products.

The preparation of industrial zoning atlas for Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts is to be given the highest priority. This will prevent haphazard and adhoc industrial development and to protect ecologically sensitive zones in these four districts. This will also give a clear indication of the types and number of industries that can be set up in each mandal of these districts.