Officials Ask Citizens To Turn Waste Into Wealth Under Swachh Andhra

VISAKHAPATNAM: On occasion of the monthly Swachh Andhra – Swarna Andhra programme on Saturday, officials across North Andhra Pradesh called upon residents to protect the environment and explore economic opportunities as well by turning waste into wealth. At the event on R.K. Beach in Visakhapatnam, district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad emphasised on the dual benefits of waste management, generating income while protecting the environment. He promoted initiatives ranging from small-scale recycling to large waste-to-energy plants. He highlighted the possibility of recovering rare earth metals from electronic waste, reducing dependence on foreign countries for such materials. The collector expressed concern over the city’s deteriorating air quality, noting that the Air Quality Index (AQI) has exceeded 200, with risks of further decline during December due to changing weather patterns. He attributed the problem not only to industrial and vehicular emissions but also to the widespread practice of burning waste. In Vizianagaram, MSME minister Kondapalli Srinivas joined district collector S. Ramsundar Reddy at the Government Industrial Training Institute for a similar programme. They administered the Swachh Andhra pledge to students and planted saplings on the ITI campus. Cautioning about plastics and chemicals polluting the environment, the minister underlined that environmental protection is everyone’s moral responsibility. “The dream of a Golden Andhra Pradesh and good health can be realised only through cleanliness,” he said. Swachh Andhra – Swarna Andhra programme is being conducted on the third Saturday of every month since January under the direction of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. It focuses on various environmental themes. This month’s theme is centred on opportunities in the environmental sector, showcasing products made from recycled materials.



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