CM Naidu Promoting Waste-to-Energy Projects

Vijayawada:Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday directed officials to speed up sanitation and waste-management initiatives under the Swarna Andhra–Swachh Andhra programme, stressing that pollution control, cleanliness and the transition towards a circular economy are important.

Reviewing various projects and works under the programme, the chief minister said the government accorded top priority to reducing pollution and improving public hygiene since assuming office. The Swarna Andhra–Swachh Andhra programme is being conducted on the third Saturday of every month to create awareness on cleanliness and environmental responsibility, he noted.

Naidu said the government is focusing on Net Zero and Circular Economy concepts and is implementing them in government offices, hostels, schools and Anganwadi centres. As part of the initiative, induction stoves are being supplied to Anganwadi centres to reduce both pollution and fuel costs.

He said 11,400 induction stoves had been distributed in urban areas during the first phase and directed the officials to complete the distribution to the remaining 44,346 Anganwadi centres by the month-end. The use of induction stoves would help each centre save around `247 per month, he said.

The CM advised officials to expedite the establishment of Waste-to-Energy plants. He reviewed the performance of the existing plants in Visakhapatnam and Guntur. Officials informed him that foundation stones for new facilities in Kadapa and Kurnool districts would be laid on Saturday, while projects in Tirupati, Nellore, Kakinada and Vijayawada are at various stages of implementation.

Naidu directed the officials to ensure the timely deployment of e-autos, compactors and mechanised sweeping machines in urban areas. He asked them to make e-autos available by the end of next month and complete the rollout of compactors and sweeping machines by October-end.

He also called for the promotion of rooftop gardens, efficient management of Gobardhan plants and plastic-waste processing units, and faster clearance of legacy waste. Officials informed the meeting that work on 33 sewage treatment plants had commenced and another 148 STPs were planned.

The CM directed that the facilities be commissioned between August and October and asked officials to complete Magic Drain projects on schedule.