CM Naidu calls for plastic-free Andhra, links excessive use to cancer risk
N Chandrababu Naidu
on Saturday called for the elimination of plastic to protect the environment, claiming that "excessive use of plastic can lead to cancer".
Addressing a meeting in Tirupati as part of the '
Swarna Andhra-Swachh Andhra
' initiative, Naidu said that plastic has become "the biggest demon" threatening the environment.
The vision lays out a comprehensive framework for economic advancement, social equity,
environmental sustainability
, and governance excellence.
"To protect the environment, we must chase away this plastic demon. Excessive use of plastic can lead to cancer... No one should fall victim to this," the chief minister said.
From toothbrushes to the plates we eat from, he pointed out that plastic has become a part of daily life, adding that common items like water bottles, cups, and covers are harmful.
He further claimed that "
plastic pollution
is contaminating the soil", hindering the percolation of rainwater, and causing other environmental issues.
Naidu announced plans to make the state secretariat plastic-free by August 15, extend this initiative to all municipalities by October 2, and implement it across the state by December.
Calling on every citizen to be part of the 'Swachh Andhra' mission by keeping their homes and surroundings clean, he also promised to clear all piled-up garbage across the state by October.
The chief minister noted that the TDP-led NDA government had approved solar panel installations for 20 lakh homes, turning rooftops, offices, and fields into hubs of solar energy.
"I'm focusing on
green energy
. With global warming triggering multiple challenges, green energy is the only solution," he said.
Criticising YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naidu alleged that the latter "created chaos" during a recent visit to Bangarupalyam by "dumping mangoes" on the road while meeting farmers.
Naidu said the NDA alliance government came to the rescue of mango farmers by ensuring a payment of Rs 12,000 per tonne-Rs 4,000 from the government and Rs 8,000 from buyers.
Earlier, during a visit to an integrated waste processing plant at Tukivakam village in Tirupati, the chief minister directed officials to make Andhra Pradesh "a national model in waste processing and utilisation." PTI STH SSK
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
23 minutes ago
- News18
Tripura CM urges Centre to increase upper loan cap in externally aided projects
Agartala, Jul 25 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said the state has urged the Centre to increase the upper cap of loans under externally aided development projects. According to existing guidelines, the northeastern state can take a maximum loan amounting to Rs 4,000 crore under externally aided projects in a financial year. While speaking at a government programme in Kashba in Sepahijala district, the chief minister said that with the state spending a huge amount of money on infrastructure building, the upper limit of loans under externally aided schemes often falls short for undertaking new projects. 'At present, we are allowed to receive loans amounting to Rs 4,000 crore under externally aided projects in a financial year, which is not sufficient for the state. I have already written to the Centre to increase the upper cap of receiving loans to speed up development," he said. Asserting that tourism can boost the state's socio-economic condition, the chief minister said the government has increased the annual budget substantially to develop infrastructure as much as possible. 'The state's budget has increased from Rs 27,000 crore in 2024-25 FY to Rs 32,000 crore during the fiscal 2025-26, and Rs 7,000 crore has been earmarked for capital expenditure. If we spend more on infrastructure, the GSDP will increase," he said. 'Despite being a small state, Sikkim, with a population of 7 lakh, has the highest gross state domestic product (GSDP) among the eight northeastern states, banking on tourism. If we develop tourism-related infrastructures, Tripura can surpass Sikkim," he said. Currently, Tripura has the second-highest said the Tourism department has taken several initiatives to promote the state's spiritual and eco tourism globally. 'Tata Group is set to convert the iconic Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala into a five-star hotel. Once the project is completed, tourists from foreign nations will visit the northeastern state to see temples, iconic structures and eco tourism sites," he said. Taking a dig at the erstwhile government, the chief minister said the previous dispensation did not try to develop the royal family's historic buildings. 'We have begun to restore and develop the royal structures, including the Ujjayanta Palace, to present their creations before the world," he said. PTI PS SBN SBN view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 16:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
23 minutes ago
- News18
SC issues notice to U'khand on plea of blind judicial services exam aspirant
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from the Uttarakhand government and its public services commission on a plea challenging exclusion of persons with blindness and locomotor disability from taking up judicial services examination. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued fresh notices to the state, the services commission and the registrar general of the Uttarakhand High Court on Sravya Sindhuri's plea. The bench was informed that the petitioner, who is completely blind, challenged the exclusion of the blind, and those with locomotor disability from being eligible for the judicial exams. 'That is very bad, very bad on the part of the government," Justice Pardiwala asked. The bench issued the notice to the state considering the examination was scheduled to begin on August 31 and none appeared despite previous notices. The top court on March 3 delivered a landmark judgement in a similar case and held blind persons cannot be denied opportunity of employment in judicial services, as it struck down provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Judicial Service Rules that excluded them. 'It is high time that we view the right against disability-based discrimination, as recognised in the RPwD Act (Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act) 2016, of the same stature as a fundamental right, thereby ensuring that no candidate is denied consideration solely on account of their disability," it said. The plea, on which the top court issued the notices on Friday, alleged the recruitment advertisement of May 16 violated constitutional rights and statutory provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) Act. The petition also challenged the restriction of PwBD (persons with benchmark disability) eligibility to only four specific categories: leprosy cured, acid attack victims, muscular dystrophy, and dwarfism, and consequential exclusion of several other benchmark disabilities such as blindness and locomotor disability. The petitioner's counsel submitted the recruitment notification not only unlawfully restricted eligibility but also imposed a domicile requirement, disqualifying persons with benchmark disabilities who are not residents of Uttarakhand. The advertisement was alleged to be contrary to Section 34 of the RPwD Act, which mandates 4 per cent reservation for persons with benchmark disabilities in government establishments, with 1 per cent specifically for blindness and low vision and another 1 per cent for locomotor disabilities. It sought quashing of the advertisement to the extent it excludes non-domiciled PwBD candidates and restricts eligibility to only four sub-categories. PTI SJK SJK AMK AMK view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 16:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
41 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
PM Modi to visit TN, inaugurate development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Tamil Nadu on July 26 to lay the foundation stone, inaugurate, and dedicate to the nation various development projects valued at over Rs 4,800 crore. PM Modi will be travelling to Tamil Nadu immediately after returning to India from his visit to the UK and Maldives. He will also participate in the celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I during the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival on 27 July at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Friday, Prime Minister will directly arrive in Tuticorin and will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation a series of landmark projects across multiple sectors. These initiatives aim to significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost logistics efficiency, strengthen clean energy infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for citizens across Tamil Nadu. In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport, developed at a cost of around Rs 450 crore, and designed to meet the increasing aviation demands of the southern region. He will also undertake a walkthrough of the new terminal building. As per official sources, the terminal spans 17,340 square metres and is equipped to handle 1,350 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually, with a future expansion capacity of up to 1,800 peak hour passengers and 25 lakh passengers annually. Featuring 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient electrical and mechanical systems, and treated water reuse through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant, the terminal has been constructed to achieve a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating.
