Naidu Sets October 2, 2026 Deadline for Plastic-Free Andhra Pradesh
Naidu contrasted this with his government’s efforts to establish the medical colleges under the PPP model. He accused the YSRC of blocking progress by filing cases against land allocations to IT companies and challenging recruitment of constables in court.
Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu has set October 2, 2026, as the deadline for Andhra Pradesh to be plastic-free. “After this date no plastic should be visible anywhere in the state,” he declared.
The CM has put in place clear milestones for the purpose. After January 26, there must be no garbage visible on roads. Household-level collection of garbage should be in place across rural and urban areas by February 15. By October 2, 2026, segregation of dry and wet waste must be fully achieved.
As part of his Swachh Andhra – Swarna Andhra (SASA) programme, Naidu began his day in Anakapalli by meeting sanitation workers and visiting a compost manufacturing yard, before addressing a public gathering. The Chief Minister underlined that SASA is not just a campaign but a lifestyle transformation initiative.
“We are processing waste every day at waste-to-energy plants and recycling and compost units. Our target is to produce compost in 10 lakh village households. People can turn household waste into compost and grow vegetables. Kitchen gardens should be set up wherever possible,” he underlined.
Naidu pointed out that 25 Swachh Rathams (garbage collection vehicles) are already operating across the state. Another 100 rathams will be launched soon. Each erstwhile district will receive six to eight vehicles. He asked citizens to abandon their habit of dumping household waste on roads and instead segregate it at home level.
Congratulating sanitation workers and green ambassadors, the CM described them as the “real soldiers” of Swachh movement, comprising waste management, recycling, composting, and sanitation services. He cited the 2025 Andhra Pradesh Circular Economy and Waste Recycling Policy as a landmark step in turning waste into wealth.
Naidu announced that 69 state-level and 1,257 district-level Swachh Andhra Awards were presented across 21 categories to recognise outstanding contributions in keeping the start clean. He expressed happiness that sanitation workers are reporting growing public awareness about separating dry and wet waste.
Turning to politics, the Chief Minister attacked YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. “Those who wasted Rs 500 crore on the Rushikonda Palace project are now spreading a poisonous campaign against our government,” he said. He said instead, the money could have been used for starting government medical colleges.
Naidu contrasted this with his government’s efforts to establish the medical colleges under the PPP model. He accused the YSRC of blocking progress by filing cases against land allocations to IT companies and challenging recruitment of constables in court.
The CM underlined that while his government is working to position Visakhapatnam as a global hub for AI, data centres and yoga, opponents are spreading malicious propaganda. “Despite obstacles, my government will not back down from its developmental goals,” he maintained.
