Minister calls for public action on cleanliness, plastic-free society

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Roads and Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy clears garbage on the roadside as part of Swarna Andhra-Swachh Andhra programme in Banaganapalle town in Saturday. | Photo Credit: U. SUBRAMANYAM

Roads and Buildings (R&B) Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy has urged the public to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and to work towards a plastic-free society.

The Minister participated in the Swarna Andhra-Swachh Andhra programme held near GM Talkies area in Banganapalle town on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the government was conducting the initiative on the third Saturday of every month to raise awareness about issues such as the ban on single-use plastics, the use of eco-friendly products, and waste management.

He also led an awareness rally with local students, teachers, and the public under the slogan “Let us maintain cleanliness – let us prevent pollution” and administered a pledge on cleanliness to students. He urged everyone to work responsibly towards building a healthy society by maintaining clean surroundings and promoting greenery.

The Minister said the government has undertaken the ‘Plastic-free Banganapalle – Swachh Banganapalle’ initiative to transform the town into a plastic-free zone. Students should create awareness among their parents regarding waste management and plastic usage, he said, and urged the students to explain the adverse effects of plastic and the health risks associated with it to their parents.

“Efforts must begin at home, and we must ensure that household waste is disposed of in the designated garbage collection vehicles. Dumping garbage on roads or in drains poses a risk of spreading illnesses and contagious diseases,” he said.

The Minister personally operated a heavy machinery to clear garbage from the drainage canal and also joined the sanitation workers in removing trash from roadsides and loading it onto garbage vehicles.

Later, Mr. Janardhan Reddy inspected development works, including the construction of new roads and drainage systems in the town, and directed officials to complete the works on schedule and make them available for public use. He also urged the officials to execute the works without compromising on quality.

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