Visakhapatnam District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore has called for collective efforts to transform the district into a plastic-free region in the interest of environmental protection and public health.
On Friday, the Collector said special programmes would be organised across the district on Saturday (May 16) under the State government’s ‘Swarna Andhra-Swachh Andhra’ initiative, focusing on the theme of a “Plastic Free State”. Awareness campaigns would be conducted in villages, towns, beaches, markets, government offices and educational institutions to discourage the use of single-use plastics, he said.
Mr. Kishore noted that plastic waste was contributing to pollution, clogging drainage systems and threatening ecological balance. He urged people to reduce the use of plastic carry bags and instead adopt cloth bags, jute bags and reusable materials.
The Collector directed officials of all departments to undertake coordinated cleanliness drives and remove plastic waste from roads, drains, ponds and beach areas. He also called for active participation from self-help groups, youth associations, students and voluntary organisations.
Officials were instructed to organise rallies, wall paintings, street plays and awareness campaigns to sensitise the public. The Collector said concerted efforts should be made to develop Visakhapatnam into a model district in plastic eradication in the State.
