Drive Launched to Make Machilipatnam Plastic-Free
The collector appealed to youth, women, NGOs and social workers to actively join the initiative
VIJAYAWADA: In an effort to make Machilipatnam a clean, green and plastic-free town, Krishna district collector D. K. Balaji on Friday launched the ‘Swachhaayudham’ and ‘Swachha Yodhulu’ campaign, calling for active public participation.
The initiative is part of the state government’s flagship ‘Swachh Andhra’ programme aimed at transforming Andhra Pradesh into a “Swarna Andhra Pradesh”.
Launching the drive at NGOs Colony near the Roads and Buildings Department guest house in Machilipatnam, the collector demonstrated the use of ‘Swachhaayudham’, a simple tool designed to collect plastic waste without direct contact. The device consists of a stick fitted with a small nail to pick up litter from roads and public places.
Addressing participants, Balaji stressed that community involvement is key to ensuring urban cleanliness and environmental sustainability. He urged citizens to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings free of plastic waste.
As part of the campaign, individuals who dedicate 15 to 30 minutes daily to collecting plastic waste will be recognised as ‘Swachha Yodhulu’ (cleanliness warriors). The collector appealed to youth, women, NGOs and social workers to actively join the initiative.
He said the programme would help reduce plastic litter while allowing municipal staff to focus on essential services such as drain cleaning and sanitation.
Emphasising the message “Our City – Our Responsibility”, he said collective efforts could transform Machilipatnam into a model town.
Municipal commissioner Bapiraju, assistant commissioner Gopala Rao, NRI Dr Vadlamudi Rajendra, Manavata state convener P. Sriram, municipal staff and local residents took part in the programme.