By Sambasiva Rao M
Copyright thehindu
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday launched a campaign against single-use plastic, declaring that Andhra Pradesh would become a plastic-free State by June 2026.
Addressing the Swarnandhra–Swachhandhra programme at Macherla in Palnadu district, he said the government’s mission was not only to remove garbage from the streets but also to cleanse the ‘dirty politics’ that plagued the region for years.
Participating in a cleaning drive at a tank, the Chief Minister joined sanitation workers in removing waste. He later visited a medical camp, interacted with sanitation and healthcare staff, and handed over a cheque of ₹52 crore to women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Mr. Naidu used the platform to send a strong political message, alleging that democracy was missing in Palnadu until the NDA alliance came to power in 2024. “For years, rowdyism and crime were sheltered under the guise of politics. But that era is over. We will not remain silent if anti-social elements attack citizens or their properties,” he warned.
The Chief Minister credited the NDA government with restoring freedom in Macherla, recalling that even he was barred from visiting the town during the YSRCP’s tenure.
Varikapudisela project
The Chief Minister vowed to complete the long-pending Varikapudisela project, describing it as the ‘lifeline of Palnadu’. The project envisages supplying irrigation water for 1.25 lakh acres and drinking water for one lakh people.
He reiterated that the NDA government would ensure Polavaram project’s completion by 2027, while moving ahead with major river-linking projects to ensure water security statewide.
Mr. Naidu announced that the government would organise the historic Palnati Veerula Aradhana Utsavams at Karamchedu, pay special attention to the economic upliftment of Palnadu, and sanction ₹50 crore for developing Macherla as a model municipality.
Chilli Board
He assured chilli farmers that efforts were on to set up a Chilli Board, underlining the government’s focus on Jal Jeevan Mission to supply drinking water to every household.
Highlighting sanitation efforts, Mr. Naidu said more than 85 lakh tonnes of legacy waste had been cleared ahead of Gandhi Jayanthi. “Waste-to-energy plants have already been operational in Visakhapatnam and Guntur. More such facilities are coming up in Rajamahendravaram, Nellore, Kadapa, and Kurnool. Every citizen must join the plastic-free movement. Together, we can create a cleaner and greener Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
The Chief Minister also listed out the welfare initiatives launched by his government, including Thalliki Vandanam, free bus travel for women, free LPG cylinders under Deepam scheme, and direct financial support to farmers under Annadata Sukhibhava.
“These Super Six schemes have become Super Hit. Investment inflows and job creation are reshaping the State’s economy,” he said.
Mr. Naidu also interacted with the ‘Margadarsis’ and ‘Bangaru Kutumbams’ of the P4 programme.
