Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made an announcement on Wednesday, declaring the complete abolition of the garbage tax in Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a public meeting at the Swachh Seva Prajavedika Sabha in Machilipatnam, Naidu emphasized, “We are completely canceling the garbage tax. Orders will be issued in the next cabinet meeting, and officials should no longer collect this tax.” In a passionate appeal for a cleaner State, Naidu set a goal for Andhra Pradesh to become “Swachh Andhra Pradesh” by 2029, in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness and sanitation. “On this Gandhi Jayanti, we must all resolve to make AP a clean State.
We will rehabilitate waste-to-energy plants and ensure no garbage is left on the roads,” Naidu declared. He also pledged to enhance efforts to establish more waste-to-electricity plants across the State. Naidu criticized the handling of solid waste centers in village panchayats under previous administrations. He claimed that these centers, initially set up for waste management, had been misused.
“YSRCP leaders used these centers for their own sheds, but they will be held accountable,” Naidu remarked. Naidu recalled his hands-on approach during flood relief efforts in Vijayawada, where he personally assisted flood victims and worked closely with volunteers to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. “We provided Rs. 25,000 to every affected household- a first in the country- and received Rs. 450 crore to CM Relief Fund for flood victims. This support has calmed those affected by the disaster,” he said.
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his birth anniversary, urging citizens to prioritize cleanliness for better health and well-being. “Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence and his dedication to public service continue to inspire us. If we want good health, we must keep our surroundings clean,” Naidu noted. Naidu also revealed plans to develop the Hindu National College and name a medical college after Pingali Venkaiah, the designer of the Indian national flag.
Naidu also reflected on the state’s progress in sanitation, noting that Andhra Pradesh was once a model State for cleanliness. “We launched Swachh Bharat in 2015, developed parks, and planted trees along the roads. However, since 2019, the situation has worsened, and trees have been cut down. It’s time to restore Andhra Pradesh to its former glory,” he concluded, urging citizens to work towards the vision of a cleaner, greener State.
Also Read : https://thecapital.org.in/lokesh-pay-homage-to-mahatma-gandhi-on-his-birth-anniversary/