5 days ago
Andhra Pradesh Secretariat launches jute bag stalls as part of drive against single-use plastics
In a step towards making Andhra Pradesh free of single-use plastics by June 5, 2026, the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department on Thursday launched jute bag stalls at the State Secretariat.
The initiative, organised under the aegis of the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), was inaugurated by MA&UD Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Suresh Kumar said that from August 15, the Secretariat would be declared single-use plastic-free. The newly set-up stalls aim at promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as jute bags in place of plastic carrybags.
He noted that the drive aligned with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's call to make Andhra Pradesh a plastic-free State by the World Environment Day-2026. As part of the campaign, the Secretariat would replace plastic bottles, cups, plates, stickers, sachets, and carrybags with reusable and biodegradable materials.
Other key measures included installation of RO water plants in all the Secretariat blocks, free distribution of reusable stainless steel water bottles to employees, and placement of three-colour dustbins for collection of solid, liquid, and e-waste.
Mr. Suresh Kumar stressed that the plan was being implemented in mission mode with a strong action plan, in collaboration with the Swachh Andhra Corporation. He urged all the Secretariat employees and visitors to cooperate in making the programme a success.
MEPMA Managing Director Tej Bharat participated.
