Latest news with #SwachhAndhra
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM Naidu calls for plastic-free Andhra, links excessive use to cancer risk
Tirupati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister 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
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
CM Naidu calls for plastic-free Andhra, links excessive use to cancer risk
Tirupati, Jul 19 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister 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 view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 21:15 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.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
VMC Commissioner calls for stricter ban on single-use plastic
Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) Commissioner Dhyanachandra H.M. on Saturday said that it is a matter of pride that Vijayawada secured fourth place in the 10 lakh+ population category as the Swachh Super League city, out of 4,589 cities that participated in the Swachh Survekshan-2024 survey. Speaking at 'Swachh Andhra – Swarna Andhra' programme in Satyanarayanapuram on Saturday (July 19), he said that the award belongs to people, sanitation workers, officials who contributed to maintain cleanliness in the city. He also called for a ban on single-use plastics of less than 120 microns. 'Starting from government offices, schools, colleges, a mandatory plastic ban should be implemented with the cooperation of the people and business organisations. There should also be awareness among people about ill-effects of plastic,' he said. Explaining the effects of single-use plastic, the Commissioner said that it causes health problems for not only human beings but also for aquatic animals. It takes about 400 years for a plastic cover to decompose. He encouraged people to use jute or cloth bags instead. About 1,170 kg of seized plastic was displayed during the programme. Fines have been introduced for a stricter implementation of the ban, the Commissioner said. Later, the Commissioner handed over cloth bags to those who gave away plastic at a counter specially set up for this programme. Later, school students participated in a rally to plant saplings to reduce pollution and create awareness among the people about the ban on single-use plastic. Meanwhile, at a press conference, Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi lauded the efforts of people and sanitation workers in getting an award for the city. She said that it was a first time that the city received an award in the category of cities having population of more than 10 lakh. The first three spots went to Indore, Surat and Navi Mumbai, and Vijayawada has secured the fourth, she said, expressing happiness. Ms. Bhagyalakshmi recalled that this is the second time, first being in 2021, that she received an award from the President. The city has also received an award in the 'Garbage Free City' category. Deputy Mayor Bellam Durga, Sailaja Reddy and YSRCP Floor Leader Venkata Satyanarayana were also present at the press meeting.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Shun plastic and use eco-friendly products, urges Collector
District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad on Saturday urged the citizens to strictly avoid plastic items and only use eco-friendly alternatives to protect the environment. He also stressed on the need for collective efforts to fight against plastic ban. The Collector attended 'Swachh Andhra-Swarna Andhra' programme organised by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) at the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) centre at Yendada Junction. Speaking at the programme, Mr. Prasad said that the government has been organising 'Swachh Andhra - Swarna Andhra' programmes across the State every third Saturday of the month to raise awareness on cleanliness. He called on citizens to support this cause in large numbers by not using single-use plastics and switch to environment-friendly alternatives. 'Single-use plastic waste often clogs drains and water bodies, leading to serious health risks during the rainy season. Sanitation workers risk their lives to remove plastic waste from drains every day. Plastics entering the ocean are consumed by fish, which eventually enter human consumption and may lead to severe diseases such as cancer,' he said. He urged the public to use alternatives like paper, cloth, jute bags, steel and glass utensils, ceramic plates and cups, and reusable water bottles. He also administered a 'Swachh Andhra Pledge' against plastic and released an awareness poster titled 'Let's End Plastic Pollution Together'. Corporator Lodagala Apparao, GVMC Additional Commissioner D.V. Ramana Murthy, Chief Medical Officer Dr. E.N.V. Naresh Kumar and others attended. Sanitation workers and NGO representatives who contributed significantly helping the city win 'Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher' award were felicitated. He later visited various stalls showcasing eco-friendly alternatives and applauded their efforts.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Collector urges people to make Sri Sathya Sai district plastic-free
Sri Sathya Sai District Collector T.S. Chetan on Saturday called upon officials to lead by example in transforming Sri Sathya Sai district into a plastic-free zone. Flagging off a public rally at Dharmavaram as part of the Swarn Andhra – Swachh Andhra initiative, Mr. Chetan emphasised the urgent need to eliminate single-use plastic, citing its critical impact on environmental protection. He urged the public to carry jute or cloth bags instead of plastic covers while shopping. He also appealed to vendors, both large and small, to switch to eco-friendly alternatives to meet customer needs. 'Teachers should take the initiative to sensitise students about the importance of using jute bags and steel water bottles,' the Collector said, underlining the need for public cooperation to make the campaign a success. He also administered a pledge to students and the public, encouraging their active support in eradicating single-use plastic from daily life. As part of the event, Mr. Chetan felicitated health workers from the Dharmavaram municipality in recognition of their dedicated service in maintaining cleanliness. Later, he inspected the recreation parks maintained by the municipality and suggested measures to modernise the street lighting system and take up beautification initiatives in the town. The rally, which saw participation from officials of various government departments, students, teachers, and members of the public, passed through the main junctions of the town, drawing attention to the collective commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
