Collector leads awareness drive for a waste-free Vizag

District Collector and GVMC In-charge Commissioner, MN Harendhira Prasad, has reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to transforming Visakhapatnam into a waste-free city. On Saturday, he led an awareness program at the RRR Center premises in Zone 2, Endada, as part of the state government’s ‘Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra  ’ initiative.
The initiative, which launched in January and will continue on the third Saturday of each month until December 2025, emphasizes waste segregation and organic composting. Addressing the gathering, Collector Prasad urged citizens to avoid dumping household waste in drains or public spaces, stressing the importance of segregating waste into wet, dry, and hazardous categories before handing it over to sanitation staff. He also encouraged residents to convert wet waste into organic compost for terrace and community gardens, citing both environmental and financial advantages.
Collector Prasad strongly advocated for the elimination of single-use plastics and the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. He warned that indiscriminate plastic disposal leads to drain blockages, waterlogging, and increased maintenance costs for the GVMC, while also creating mosquito breeding grounds and contributing to the spread of seasonal diseases.
He called for active participation from residential welfare associations, self-help groups (SHGs), and resource persons (RPs) to support waste recycling efforts. “Achieving a waste-free Visakhapatnam requires collective public involvement,” he stated, encouraging citizens to engage in ‘Swarn Andhra – Swachh Andhra’ activities throughout the month.
Following the awareness session, the District Collector observed a demonstration on waste segregation and organic composting, and then joined a rally, holding placards and taking the ‘Swarn Andhra – Swachh Andhra’ pledge.
GVMC Additional Commissioner, R. Somanna Rayudu, highlighted the benefits of organic composting, noting that it reduces waste, and promotes financial savings, health benefits, environmental protection, and urban greenery.
The awareness program included a demonstration on waste segregation and organic composting, followed by a rally where participants took the ‘ Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra   ‘ pledge.