Visakhapatnam Tops Swachh Andhra rankings

future

MD ILYAS |DC

VIJAYAWADA, APRIL 17

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who reviewed the progress of the ‘Swarna Andhra–Swachh Andhra’ initiative here on Friday, suggested that future rankings be conducted by third-party agencies to enhance transparency and credibility.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress made by top-ranking districts, the Chief CM, however, underscored the need for a robust, time-bound action plan to ensure uniform performance across the state.

Visakhapatnam district has emerged as the top performer in the state’s flagship Swachh Andhra programme, with Vizianagaram and Guntur securing the second and third positions respectively.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Sri Sathya Sai, Parvathipuram Manyam and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts occupied the bottom three ranks, reflecting gaps in sanitation and waste management practices.

The rankings were based on key parameters such as door-to-door waste collection, segregation of wet and dry waste, availability of individual household toilets, and adherence to ODF Plus standards.

The CM suggested that future rankings be conducted by third-party agencies to enhance transparency and credibility.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress made by top-ranking districts, Naidu underscored the need for a robust, time-bound action plan to ensure uniform performance across the state. He made it clear that accountability would be strictly enforced, warning that failure to meet targets would invite scrutiny and corrective measures.

Naidu directed the officials to prioritise the construction of public toilets in municipalities wherever required and to expedite the establishment of waste-to-energy plants within designated zones.

He noted that several former dumping yards, once burdened with accumulated waste, are now being cleared and should be converted into green spaces. Special emphasis was laid on transforming dumping yards located near villages and towns into parks to improve the local environment.

Officials informed the CM that out of 153 lakh tonnes of waste generated in urban areas since June 2024, nearly 114 lakh tonnes have already been cleared. Naidu instructed that 100 per cent clearance be achieved by June. He also called for the removal of 10 lakh metric tonnes of accumulated waste in rural areas within a stipulated timeframe.

Stressing the importance of efficiency, the chief minister directed that door-to-door waste collection and processing systems achieve full coverage. He suggested coordination with MARKFED for the effective marketing of compost generated from waste.

Additionally, he proposed the introduction of community soak pits connected to magic drains to address wastewater issues and enhance groundwater recharge.

Guidelines were also issued for government welfare hostels and residential schools, including mandatory waste segregation, installation of rooftop solar systems, adoption of net-zero practices, and maintenance of hygienic kitchens.

The CM asked the officials to expand air quality monitoring infrastructure by adding 53 manual monitoring stations to the existing 83 centres.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, officials said that 633 Swachh Rath vehicles are currently collecting about 125 tonnes of dry waste daily. Waste is also being converted into revenue through Gobardhan units and Green Shops, while measures to curb single-use plastics are being strengthened.

Naidu set an ambitious target to declare all villages ODF Plus by September this year. He also called for a significant increase in the state’s green cover from the current 31.33 per cent to 37 per cent by 2030 and further to 50 per cent by 2047, underlining the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Senior officials, including municipal administration minister P Narayana and representatives from various departments, were present at the review meeting.