AP CM Sets Ambitious Swachh Targets: Visakhapatnam Leads State Rankings
CM pushes waste clearance, green parks, and air monitoring across AP
Amaravati: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for a "war footing" approach to sanitation and environmental preservation, directing officials to transform former dumping yards into green parks and expand air quality monitoring across Andhra Pradesh.
During a high-level review of the ‘Swarna Andhra–Swachh Andhra’ program at his camp office on Friday, the Chief Minister released the latest performance rankings for the state’s districts. Visakhapatnam secured the top spot for its excellence in waste management, followed by Vizianagaram and Guntur. Conversely, Sri Sathya Sai, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) districts were flagged for poor performance, ranking at the bottom.
Zero Tolerance for Waste: 100% Clearance by June
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of legacy waste clearance, noting that of the 153 lakh tonnes of urban waste generated since June 2024, 114 lakh tonnes have already been processed.
"We must achieve 100 percent clearance of urban waste by June," Naidu stated. "Dumping yards should no longer be eyesores; they must be cleared and converted into green spaces and parks for the community."
To ensure efficiency, the CM directed the implementation of a time-bound action plan, stressing that officials would be held accountable for failing to meet targets. He also ordered the removal of 10 lakh metric tonnes of accumulated waste in rural areas.
Expanding Environmental Infrastructure
A significant portion of the meeting focused on modernizing the state’s environmental monitoring and waste processing:
Air Quality Monitoring: The CM directed the expansion of the current network of 83 monitoring locations by adding 53 new manual stations.
Waste-to-Energy: New plants are to be established within defined zones to convert trash into power.
Wastewater Management: The CM suggested the introduction of community soak pits linked to "magic drains" to enhance groundwater recharge.
Revenue Generation: Through 633 Swachh Rath vehicles and Gobardhan units, the state is currently collecting 125 tonnes of dry waste daily, converting it into revenue.
Green Targets: 50% Cover by 2047
Looking toward the future, the Chief Minister set a bold environmental roadmap. He aims to increase the state's green cover from the current 31.33% to 37% by 2030, with a long-term goal of 50% by 2047.
He also issued a mandate for all villages to be declared ODF Plus (Open Defecation Free) by September of this year. To ensure the credibility of these goals, Naidu suggested that future rankings be conducted by third-party agencies to maintain transparency and eliminate bias.
Institutional Green Goals
The CM also extended the "Net-Zero" mission to government institutions. Welfare hostels and residential schools have been instructed to:
Adopt strict waste segregation.
Install rooftop solar systems.
Maintain hygienic kitchens and increase campus greenery.
The meeting was attended by Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana, PCB Chairman Krishnaiah, and other senior secretaries and commissioners from the Urban Development and Panchayat Raj departments.
