Bring back scrap metal trade: Ports

Hyderabad: Ports in Andhra Pradesh want the ban on import of heavy metal scrap to be lifted. The ban was imposed after live ammunition was bought in through the ports, leading to the death of workers handling the cargo. Instead, port managements want ammunition and explosive detectors to be set up at ports, imports of heavy metal scrap allowed as it is a huge business.

Currently, metal scrap is imported only through traditional ports which are mostly government run. A senior official at a port said, “Import of heavy metal scrap is worth hundreds of crores. Both, the Centre and the state, can earn good revenue.”

He said scanners and other systems could be put in place to sniff out ammunition, so that normal business can go on. Krishnapatnam port CEO Anil Yendluri, when contacted, said, “The AP government can take proactive steps to ensure that the restrictions imposed by the Centre are lifted. This will enable further development of ports.