Latest news with #VijayawadaMunicipalCorporation
New Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Yogandhra draws overwhelming public response in NTR district
VIJAYAWADA: NTR District Collector G Lakshmisha announced that the Yogandhra campaign, promoting yoga's benefits, has drawn an overwhelming public response. Around 5,000 trainers are currently being prepared to teach yoga asanas to 10 lakh people in the district as part of a state-wide goal to reach two crore individuals by June 21. On Monday, the district administration, in coordination with Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and the AYUSH Department, organised a large rally from Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium to Benz Circle. Over 3,000 people participated in the event, which marked the 20th day of the campaign. Lakshmisha, along with Joint Collector S Ilakkia and VMC Commissioner Dhyana Chandra, led the rally. Addressing the crowd, the Collector highlighted yoga's Indian roots and global relevance, stressing the campaign's goal of making yoga accessible to all age groups. The event also saw the launch of an anti-drug poster bearing the message 'Drugs Vaddhu Bro – Say No to Drugs Bro,' along with the toll-free helpline 1972. He reiterated the administration's commitment to eradicating drug abuse through sustained community RDO Kavuri Chaitanya and others were present.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Vijayawada Municipal Corporation takes steps to check spread of mosquito-borne diseases
Vijayawada: With the monsoon season approaching, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) is making efforts to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A comprehensive action plan is being rolled out across the city to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and spread public awareness. As part of the initiative, the VMC has declared a month-long awareness campaign under the banner of 'Malaria Masotsavalu' (Malaria month celebrations). Commissioner HM Dhyana Chandra emphasised the importance of early prevention and community involvement. "During the rainy season, stagnant water becomes a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Hence, we're initiating mass awareness campaigns through posters and pamphlets in every ward secretariat to educate the public," he said. The commissioner also announced that every Friday will be observed as a 'Dry Day', urging citizens to regularly check and clear out potential mosquito-breeding containers such as flower pots, refrigerator trays, unused tyres, and old buckets. Biologist Surya Kumar stated that all major storm-water drains in the city have already been cleared in preparation for the rains. "We are deploying rapid response teams to clear waterlogging after rains and will use drones to spray anti-larval chemicals in hard-to-reach areas," he added, noting that focused attention is being given to the city's three main irrigation canals, which are often clogged with wastes. Chief medical and health officer Dr Gopalakrishna Nayak announced that frequent fever surveys will be conducted during June, July, and August. "These surveys will help us identify and monitor outbreaks of malaria, dengue, and typhoid, and take immediate preventive actions," he said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh government revives anti-plastic drive with new incentives
Vijayawada: In a renewed effort to combat plastic pollution, authorities in Andhra Pradesh are reviving past initiatives to drastically reduce the use of single-use plastic, particularly in major urban centres like Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Kurnool. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These initiatives aim to protect the environment while also creating new employment opportunities, especially for women and rural communities. The state's municipal department estimated in 2018 that over 70% of single-use plastic in cities could be eliminated by replacing plastic bags and food packaging with eco-friendly alternatives. Although a formal ban was imposed that year, enforcement weakened over time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the use of plastic surged again due to hygiene concerns. In Vijayawada alone, 150 metric tons of garbage is generated daily—over 90% of which is single-use plastic. To curb this, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) initially encouraged the use of cloth and jute bags and promoted food packaging in lotus or banana leaves. The initiative gained initial support but later lost momentum due to cost and availability issues. With the new NDA govt in place, the anti-plastic campaign is being re-energised. The govt now plans to provide training and subsidies to women-led self-help groups under the MSME programme for manufacturing biodegradable items such as banana-leaf plates and wooden spoons. Lotus leaves cultivated in ponds near urban areas are also being promoted for use in hotels and meat shops, aligning with both environmental goals and rural employment generation. To further encourage public participation, the municipal department plans to convince sellers to offer discount-based incentives. Hotels offering takeout will give concessions to customers who bring their own containers, while meat shops will provide a 3% discount for those avoiding plastic bags. The AP pollution control board (APPCB) and voluntary organisations are also working together to develop a sustainable plan to eliminate plastic use through public awareness campaigns and competitions.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Rapid action force teams to tackle rainwater stagnation in Vijayawada
Vijayawada: To tackle rainwater stagnation in low-lying areas and on roads during the monsoon season, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has formed separate rapid action force teams. These teams will ensure the immediate clearance of rainwater stagnation at key points by deploying Airtechs and Gulfer machines to suction stagnant water across the three circles under the civic body's jurisdiction. The civic body has identified a total of 43 rainwater stagnation points — 18 located in VIP areas, 10 in commercial areas, and the remaining 15 in residential areas across the three circles of the city. Locations such as the Durga Temple Downhill near Masjid, VMC headwater works, VMC main office underpass, Bandar Road, and Polyclinic Road have been categorised as VIP zones. Areas like the low bridge near KR Market, Eluru Road, NRP Road–Gandhi Nagar, and Singh Nagar Main Road fall under the commercial category. Meanwhile, the APIIC Colony, Rajiv Nagar Katta internal roads, and Kummaripalem Centre are classified under the residential category.
New Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Huge response to ‘Police Yogandhra' in Vijayawada
VIJAYAWADA: The NTR district police organised a 'Police Yogandhra' event on Thursday, drawing more than 6,000 participants, including personnel from various wings of the commissionerate, at the Yoga Street (BRTS Road). Chief Secretary K Vijayanand, Special Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) MT Krishna Babu, NTR District Commissioner of Police (CP) SV Rajasekhar Babu, and NTR Collector G Lakshmisha attended as chief guests and urged the public to make yoga part of their daily routine. The event was conducted in association with the NTR Ayush Department and the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC). Addressing participants, Vijayanand said the State government has launched the month-long Yogandhra-2025 campaign, from May 21 to June 21, to make yoga a part of household activity. A mega event involving five lakh people is planned from RK Beach to Bhogapuram in Visakhapatnam district, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend as the chief guest on the International Yoga Day. 'Yoga is a great gift India has offered to the world. We aim to build a healthy and happy society. YogAndhra programs will be held in every village and town until June 21 to mark International Yoga Day. Our goal is to teach yoga to at least two crore people by then,' said Vijayanand. He added that 1.25 lakh yoga trainers have registered across the State, and the government is encouraging people to learn basic yoga asanas. CP Rajasekhar Babu said the event was intended to raise awareness of yoga's benefits for both physical and mental health and to encourage regular practice. He expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of 'Police Yogandhra' event.
