Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu officially kicked off a sweeping campaign against single-use plastic this Saturday, boldly declaring the state’s commitment to becoming entirely plastic-free by June 2026.
Speaking at the “Swarnandhra–Swachhandhra” program in Macherla, Palnadu district, the Chief Minister emphasized that his administration’s vision transcends merely clearing streets of garbage. It also encompasses a profound mission to purify the ‘dirty politics’ that, according to him, have plagued the region for far too long.
Demonstrating his dedication, Mr. Naidu personally participated in a cleaning drive at a local tank, working alongside sanitation workers to remove accumulated waste. Following the clean-up, he visited a medical camp, engaged with the hardworking sanitation and healthcare personnel, and presented a significant cheque of ₹52 crore to local women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs).
The event also served as a platform for Mr. Naidu to deliver a potent political message. He asserted that true democracy was absent in Palnadu until the NDA alliance assumed power in 2024. “For years, this region suffered under the shadow of rowdyism and crime, shielded by the guise of politics. But that era is decisively over. We will not stand by idly if anti-social elements dare to threaten our citizens or their property,” he sternly warned.
The Chief Minister highlighted the NDA government’s role in restoring a sense of freedom and order in Macherla, recalling that he himself was once prevented from entering the town during the previous YSRCP tenure.
Advancing the Varikapudisela Project
In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister pledged to expedite the completion of the long-awaited Varikapudisela project, hailing it as the ‘lifeline of Palnadu’. This crucial project is designed to provide irrigation water to a vast 1.25 lakh acres and ensure drinking water access for one lakh people.
He further reaffirmed the NDA government’s unwavering commitment to completing the Polavaram project by 2027, while simultaneously pushing forward with other major river-linking initiatives aimed at securing statewide water resources for the future.
Looking ahead, Mr. Naidu announced plans to host the historic Palnati Veerula Aradhana Utsavams in Karamchedu. He also promised dedicated efforts towards the economic upliftment of Palnadu and sanctioned ₹50 crore for the transformation of Macherla into a model municipality.
Support for Chilli Farmers and Sanitation Efforts
Addressing the concerns of chilli farmers, Mr. Naidu assured them of ongoing efforts to establish a dedicated Chilli Board. He also underscored the government’s steadfast focus on the Jal Jeevan Mission, an initiative to ensure every household receives safe drinking water.
Regarding environmental sanitation, Mr. Naidu proudly shared that over 85 lakh tonnes of legacy waste had been successfully cleared in preparation for Gandhi Jayanthi. He noted that “Waste-to-energy” plants are already operational in Visakhapatnam and Guntur, with more facilities planned for Rajamahendravaram, Nellore, Kadapa, and Kurnool. “Every single citizen must actively participate in this plastic-free movement. Together, we possess the power to forge a cleaner, greener Andhra Pradesh,” he urged.
The Chief Minister also enumerated various welfare programs launched by his government, including “Thalliki Vandanam,” which offers free bus travel for women, free LPG cylinders through the “Deepam” scheme, and direct financial aid to farmers under “Annadata Sukhibhava.”
He concluded by stating, “These ‘Super Six’ schemes have proven to be a ‘Super Hit,’ driving significant investment inflows and robust job creation, thereby dramatically reshaping the state’s economic landscape.”
Mr. Naidu also took time to engage with the ‘Margadarsis’ and ‘Bangaru Kutumbams’ as part of the P4 program, further demonstrating his direct interaction with community leaders and beneficiaries.