Everyone Must Act to Build Plastic-Free Society: NTR Collector
The “Swarna Andhra–Swachha Andhra” programme was held at Peddavaram in Nandigama mandal on Saturday to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and to promote sustainable alternatives.
Vijayawada: NTR district collector Dr G. Lakshmisha has urged citizens to actively participate in creating a plastic-free society and turn every village into a Swachh and Swarna village. He emphasised that using single-use plastic is a legal offence, and safeguarding public health, the environment, and economic well-being is a shared responsibility.
The “Swarna Andhra–Swachha Andhra” programme was held at Peddavaram in Nandigama mandal on Saturday to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and to promote sustainable alternatives.
Dr Lakshmisha inspected various stalls displaying eco-friendly substitutes to plastic, organic agricultural products, and other sustainable goods. Green Ambassadors and 12 inspirational citizens were felicitated and pledged to promote cleanliness, discourage plastic use, and spread awareness on eco-alternatives.
He warned that plastic has become deeply embedded in daily life—from morning till night—and if left unchecked, poses a grave threat to public health and the environment, particularly for future generations. Improper plastic disposal leads to clogged drains, sewage overflow onto roads, and mosquito breeding, causing diseases such as dengue and malaria.
He further cautioned that plastic seeps into the soil and breaks down into microplastics, which can enter the food chain and harm human health. He stressed the need to adopt alternatives like cloth and jute bags, and paper packaging. The collector reminded that polythene covers below 120 microns and other single-use plastic items are banned and punishable by law, with strict action to be taken against violators.
