CM Chandrababu Sets Target To Achieve 50 pc Green Cover In AP
Andhra University should become a model Net-Zero campus, global knowledge hub for environmental studies and sustainability, the CM said on Friday.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2026-06-05 12:50 GMT
Visakhapatnam: Marking World Environment Day, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu participated in the celebrations at Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, where he planted a sapling and unveiled an ambitious vision to increase the state's green cover to 50 percent. He also set an example by cycling 5.5 kilometres in Visakhapatnam today amidst scorching heat to promote environmental conservation, sustainable mobility and healthy living.
Later addressing the media, students, and faculty members, the Chief Minister said environmental protection is a shared responsibility and called for collective action to address climate change and ecological degradation."Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental imbalance are warning signs. Every individual must contribute towards protecting nature. Our government is committed to increasing Andhra Pradesh's green cover to 50 percent," he said.
The Chief Minister directed Andhra University to transform its sprawling 450-acre campus into a model green and net-zero campus. Noting that the campus currently has around 25 percent green cover, he asked university authorities to double it to 50 percent.He suggested a series of sustainability measures, including expanding tree plantation across vacant spaces, Installing solar panels on campus buildings, generating electricity for self-consumption, developing a biodiversity park, Converting organic waste into compost, Establishing solid waste management and waste-to-energy systems, Producing biogas from biodegradable waste, Recycling and reusing waste water within the campus, Promoting PNG and electric cooking systems, Introducing electric bicycles for campus mobility.
The Chief Minister also proposed the formation of a dedicated team of professors to drive the university's net-zero mission and envisioned Andhra University should emerge as a global knowledge hub for environmental studies and sustainability.
The Chief Minister announced that the government would implement focused measures to reduce pollution across Visakhapatnam, particularly in areas surrounding the port and industrial zones.Highlighting the government's afforestation efforts, he said Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is spearheading an initiative to distribute and plant 25 million seed balls across the state.He also emphasized the importance of cycling and walking infrastructure, stating that dedicated cycle tracks would be developed in Visakhapatnam to encourage eco-friendly transport and healthier lifestyles.
In a powerful symbolic gesture, the Chief Minister concluded the event with a cycling rally aimed at creating public awareness about environmental protection.Starting from Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, he cycled through 3-Town Police Station Junction, Polamamba Temple, VUDA Park, YMCA and Beach Road before reaching Novotel.Despite the afternoon heat, the Chief Minister completed the 5.5-kilometre ride in just 21 minutes, greeting citizens along the route and inspiring many to join the movement for a greener future.
Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, public representatives, officials and local residents participated in the rally, turning it into a visible public campaign owning environmental responsibility.The Chief Minister's cycle rally impressed one and all and attracted wide public applause.