R&B Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy during a surprise inspection at the government hospital in Sanjamala on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: U. SUBRAMANYAM
Minister for Roads and Buildings (R&B) B.C. Janardhan Reddy called upon the people to avoid the usage of plastic as much as possible. He was speaking at the “Swarna Andhra - Swachh Andhra” programme for the construction of soak pits, an initiative aimed at replenishing groundwater levels, at the Sanjamala mandal headquarters on Saturday (May 16, 2026).On the occasion, students formed a human chain and took out a rally from Sanjamala Mandal TDP office to the Government Hospital to create awareness on the adverse effects of plastic and the benefits of planting trees. The Minister also visited local shops in Sanjamala and interacted with the traders, dissuading them from using plastic.Mr. Janardhan Reddy said that the government has been organising Swachh Divas (cleanliness day) on every third Saturday aiming to achieve “Swarna Andhra 2047.” “My wife, Indiramma, went door-to-door in Banaganapalle town for three months to create awareness against plastic. We have successfully brought down the usage of plastic by 70-80 per cent,” he said.Even lactating buffaloes and cows are consuming plastic, causing the milk they produce to become toxic, he said, adding “awareness programmes must be conducted to educate the public about the ill-effects of plastic and the health risks associated with it. Several people are falling victim to cancer due to plastic pollution.”Stressing the importance of cleanliness, the Minister said that some people still continue to dump waste into drainage canals and the streets leading to various health hazards. “Garbage should be disposed of into the designated collection vehicles only when they arrive,” he said, highlighting the need to segregate wet and dry waste.Later, the Minister conducted surprise inspection at the local government hospital and interacted with the patients. He pulled up officials and staff over the untidy conditions in the wards and asked them to maintain hygiene and cleanliness at the premises. Published - May 16, 2026 07:32 pm IST
