We aim at plastic-free Vizag, says Collector

The Circular Economy could emerge as a defining pillar of India’s economic future, with an estimated national value of $2 trillion by 2050 and the potential to generate over 10 million jobs, according to K Pattabhiram, Chairman, Swachh Andhra Corporation.

Speaking at a conference on circular economy and green companies organised by CII Andhra Pradesh in Vizag on February 24, Pattabhiram said the government was implementing a focused action plan based on the ‘Wealth from Waste’ principle. He urged industries to partner with the State in promoting environmentally responsible growth.

Andhra Pradesh was the first State to introduce a comprehensive Circular Economy Policy along with operational guidelines, he said, attributing the initiative to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s emphasis on long-term planning and technology-led governance.

He said: “Circular economy initiatives have been prioritised under the Swarna Andhra Vision 2047, where ‘Swachh Andhra’ is positioned as a guiding principle linking environmental hygiene with public health. The State plans to establish five Circular Economy Parks. In addition, 107 waste processing centres are being set up to ensure scientific segregation of dry waste into categories such as plastic, glass, cardboard, and e-waste for supply to recycling industries.”

Murali Krishna Gannamani, Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh, in his welcome address said: “Andhra Pradesh is uniquely positioning to lead this transition. With progressive governance, strong industrial corridors, expanding ports, and a growing manufacturing base, the State has the opportunity to embed sustainability into its growth architecture.

District Collector called for urgent measures to address environmental challenges. Citing scientific assessments, he pointed to rising sea levels around Visakhapatnam and deteriorating air quality, recalling that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had touched 347 on December 19 last year. He flagged challenges in scientifically recycling Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. While reiterating the goal of a plastic-free Visakhapatnam, he noted practical difficulties linked to low-cost plastic alternatives and stressed the need to promote biodegradable substitutes.

He said emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, biogas, and sustainable industries offered opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs. The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, he added, would play a key role in fostering green innovation, noting that the government would extend support in facilitating land and funding for viable projects.

Also read: Rajahmundry ‘milk’ tragedy: boy dies in KGH

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This article is written by Senior Journalist Lakkoju Nagesh Babu