NELLORE: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has pledged to transform Andhra Pradesh into a cleaner and greener State and urged citizens to dedicate one day each month to cleanliness.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Material Recovery Facility Centre in Kandukur, he emphasised the importance of waste management, environmental sustainability, and governance reforms.
As part of the Swachh Andhra - Swachh Divas initiative, Naidu visited Dubagunta village in the Kandukur constituency to assess sanitation efforts.
During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected a soak pit at the residence of Bhimani Harikrishna and inquired about its maintenance. He also visited the home of Gorrepati Susheela to check whether wet and dry waste were being properly segregated.
Naidu highlighted that 85 lakh metric tonnes of waste had accumulated in urban areas and that the municipal department had been tasked with clearing it by October 2.
‘We are working to generate wealth from waste’
He urged people to dedicate one day every month to keeping their surroundings clean, stressing that collective efforts could lead to a better future for the State. “We are working towards recycling waste and generating wealth from it,” he said.
The Chief Minister criticised the previous YSRCP government for imposing taxes on garbage, which he said burdened the people. He reaffirmed his vision for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Andhra Pradesh, with a commitment to increase greenery by 50 per cent and effectively address citizens’ concerns. Naidu interacted with villagers and listened to their concerns. Bellamkonda Anasuyamma, an elderly villager, showed him his organically grown bananas. Later, Naidu visited a farm near Dubagunta Lake and spoke with women, including Aathinti Govardhani, Sumalatha, Ramadevi, Veena, and Bharathi. Slamming the previous YSRCP government, Naidu criticised its failure to repair roads, stating that they “did not even fill potholes with a handful of soil.”
He noted that the State government has allocated Rs 1,600 crore for road repairs immediately upon assuming office.
Naidu reiterated that the financial burden left by the previous government had accumulated a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore, with the alliance government now responsible for repaying both the principal and interest. He also mentioned that officials from lending agencies were approaching government offices to recover loans. Despite the financial challenges, he highlighted that, in just eight months, his government had accelerated development efforts.
“My goal is to serve the people. Seeing their enthusiasm gives me the confidence to move forward. We are determined to enhance welfare programmes, although the State treasury remains empty. Despite financial challenges, we are providing pensions to 64 lakh beneficiaries. Development is possible only when wealth is created,” he remarked.
Asserting that his government would crack down on crime, particularly against women, the Chief Minister said, “We will not spare those who harm our daughters. We will adopt a tough stance against criminals and also ensure strict action against those involved in illegal activities, including ganja trading and drug trafficking.”
Highlighting governance reforms, he noted that under the Deepam scheme, free LPG cylinders are being provided to women. Additionally, the government has introduced WhatsApp Governance, enabling people to access services via mobile phones. “Now, just one message is enough to get a certificate,” he stated.
The Chief Minister recalled that while the NT Rama Rao government introduced the mandal system, his administration has now brought governance closer to the people. He emphasised the need for youth to move beyond job-seeking and become job creators.