Swachh Survekshan 2022: AP wins 6 awards; Vijayawada is 'Cleanest State/National Capital'

Amaravati: As part of the Swachh Survekshan 2022, Andhra Pradesh won six awards while two cities received 5-star ratings for being garbage free. In line with the guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi.

Tirupati won the "Safaimitra Suraksha Seher" award while Vijayawada won the "Cleanest State/National Capital" award. Visakhapatnam won the "Clean Big City" under the 10-40 lakh population category. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's home constituency Pulivendula was awarded the "Innovation and Best practices" award at the Swachh Survekshan 2022.

Appreciating the efforts of the officials, Chief Minister Jagan, during the review meeting of the urban development department and municipal administration department held at the camp office in Tadepalli, congratulated them and instructed them to achieve more in the coming days.

Adhering to the 10 guidelines set by the NGT, the department officials briefed the CM about the linking process of all urban areas to at least one sewage treatment plant (STP) and waste processing unit to manage and treat waste produced in the state. Jagan also asked the officials to chalk out a plan so that all APTIDCO houses and Jagananna colonies can be mapped to STPs, thus treating wastewater in time.

Road repairs and pothole-free lanes

The CM also suggested that officials consider including pothole-free lanes as part of the guidelines so that required measures can be put in place in each ward to access and revamp the pothole-filled roads.

"By March 2023 ensure that all roads are fixed as the monsoon season is nearing an end. The work should begin now so that it will be completed by next year. Visit each ward and inspect the roads," the CM said.

While Jagan has ordered a complete ban on plastic flexi boards and banners across the state in addition to the already existing plastic ban, he instructed that DCs should hold awareness drives with printing companies in their district on the ban. He also instructed officials to work out a plan to provide additional financial aid if there's a burden in terms of conversion rate. The officials have been instructed to talk to banks and provide these companies with loans. If there's prompt payment, then the interest rate could be reduced.

City beautification

To beautify cities across the state, Jagan had launched the Jagananna Haritha Nagaralu competition where citizens would ensure that the city is beautified and the best city or area is awarded. As of now, 45 ULBs are participating in the "Green City challenge" and by January next year, the awards will be distributed. In addition, the airport road in Vijayawada is being beautified by having artwork on walls and even ensuring 38 different species of plants are being planted and maintained. Several organisations and colleges have come forward to aid the government in maintaining them.