Anakapalli

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday appealed to citizens to work collectively towards making the state completely plastic-free by June 2026, covering all 175 Assembly constituencies.

Speaking at a public gathering in Anakapalli under the Swachandhra–Swarnandhra (Clean Andhra, Golden Andhra) initiative, Naidu said the state secretariat has already achieved plastic-free status, setting an example for the rest of Andhra Pradesh.

Calling for public participation, the Chief Minister said the success of the initiative depends on community involvement. He also criticised the previous YSRCP government, alleging that it left behind nearly 86 lakh tonnes of accumulated waste. The current administration, he said, has set a target to remove roadside garbage entirely by January 26, 2026.

Naidu noted that Swach Radhams—special vehicles for dry waste collection—are currently operational in 25 locations and will be expanded to 100 centres in the near future. He further announced a large-scale push for household composting, particularly in rural areas, with a goal of covering 10 lakh homes. Over three lakh households have already adopted composting practices, and the government expects to meet the full target by March 26, 2026.

Highlighting Anakapalli’s economic growth, the Chief Minister said the district has emerged as an industrial hub, with development spanning over 24,800 acres across areas such as Rambilli, Pudi, Nakkapalli, Makavarampalem and Valluru. MSME parks in Kovuru, Parawada and Atchutapuram have attracted investments worth nearly Rs 3 lakh crore and are projected to create employment for about 1.5 lakh people.

Naidu also spoke about the international recognition gained by Araku Coffee, which now sells at premium prices of around Rs 10,000 per kilogram, a significant rise from its earlier obscurity.

Addressing governance challenges, he alleged that public interest litigations were being filed to obstruct the arrival of IT firms, teacher recruitment drives and police hiring. Despite such hurdles, he reaffirmed his commitment to pushing reforms forward.

On healthcare, the Chief Minister said new medical colleges are being developed under the Public-Private Partnership model to improve access for the poor, while ensuring that medical education seats and hospital services remain free. He dismissed claims that public healthcare services such as 108 and 104 ambulance systems were being undermined or privatised.

Naidu also defended the recently held ‘Yogandhra’ event in Visakhapatnam, which saw around three lakh participants stretching across 26 kilometres. He said the programme, organised at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought global attention to the state.

Taking a swipe at the previous regime, Naidu alleged that Visakhapatnam was earlier reduced to a hub for illegal activities, while his government aims to transform it into a centre for artificial intelligence, data centres and wellness initiatives like yoga. He further accused the former government of misusing public funds on projects such as the Rushikonda Palace and survey stones.

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Concluding his address, Naidu asserted that the TDP-led NDA government is committed to prioritising public welfare, health and sustainable development across Andhra Pradesh.