VIJAYAWADA: In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched an initiative to make the State free of single-use plastics by World Environment Day on June 5, 2026.
As part of this ambitious goal, a complete ban on single-use plastics has been implemented at the State Secretariat, effective from August 15, 2025.
On Friday, Chief Secretary K Vijayanand inaugurated a state-of-the-art Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant at the Secretariat’s third building to provide safe drinking water in stainless steel and glass bottles, replacing plastic water bottles.
The initiative includes the distribution of free stainless steel water bottles to all Secretariat employees, with strict measures to prevent plastic bottles and items from entering the premises.
To ensure access to safe drinking water, the Secretariat now hosts eight RO plants, and 32 water dispensing units, capable of supplying 1,000 litres of purified water per hour.
Speaking after the inauguration, Vijayanand emphasised the phased implementation of the single use plastics ban across the State, with the Secretariat leading by example.
“We have banned single-use plastics in the Secretariat, and this model will be extended Statewide to achieve a plastic-free Andhra Pradesh by next World Environment Day,” the Chief Secretary explained.
Vijayanand also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote public awareness about the eco-friendly initiative of the State government.
Seven-stage bottling process to ensure quality
The RO plants provide water at a subsidised rate of Rs 3 per 500 ml bottle, compared to Rs 8 for branded bottled water. The canteen has completely phased out plastic bottles, sourcing water from the RO plants.
The bottling process adheres to stringent quality standards, involving seven stages, including bottle inspection for defects, thorough cleaning with normal and hot water, UV treatment to eliminate microorganisms, automated filling and tamper-proof capping, batch coding, quality checks for taste, smell and clarity, and storage in a cool, sunlight-free environment.
The Chief Secretary also performed special puja at Vinayaka Mandapam in the Secretariat’s canteen, joined by Principal Secretary (MA&UD) S Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary (GAD) Mukesh Kumar Meena, and other officials.