GVMC Commissioner Calls for Public Participation in Swarnandhra – Swachhandhra Program
GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg urged Visakhapatnam residents to actively participate in the Swarnandhra – Swachhandhra initiative, a state program aimed at creating a cleaner and greener Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at the International Coastal Cleanup Day event at Jodugullapalem Beach, Garg was joined by Deputy Mayor Dalli Govindaraju, Swachhandhra Corporation Director Lakshmi Choudhary, and GVMC Additional Commissioner D.V. Ramana Murthy.
Held on the third Saturday of every month, the Swarnandhra – Swachhandhra program focuses on sanitation drives, waste segregation, eco-friendly practices, and public awareness campaigns. Garg emphasized that transforming Visakhapatnam into a “Green Vizag” requires residents’ active involvement in cleanliness efforts and responsible waste management.
He also highlighted the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, running from September 17 to October 2, 2025, under the theme “Swachh Utsav.” The campaign encourages waste segregation, shoreline protection, and reducing sea pollution. Garg urged Resident Welfare Associations to take a leading role in these efforts.
During the event, Garg visited awareness stalls at Jodugullapalem, where GVMC provided information on plastic waste management and eco-friendly practices. He praised Ms. Aparna for her demonstrations on effective waste segregation and alternatives to plastic.
Deputy Mayor Dalli Govindaraju echoed Garg’s message, urging the youth to play an active role in reducing pollution and supporting green initiatives. He also commended Aparna’s efforts in promoting waste segregation.
Swachhandhra Corporation Director Lakshmi Choudhary reiterated the vision of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, calling for collaborative efforts from public representatives, NGOs, and citizens to make Visakhapatnam pollution-free.
The event also featured the launch of the “Ek Din, Ek Saath, Ek Ghanta” campaign, encouraging participants to dedicate one hour to cleaning efforts. Attendees received cloth bags, participated in a Swachhata Selfie, planted saplings, and volunteered to clean the beach in observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day. Senior GVMC officials and representatives from Coromandel Fertilizers and Visakhapatnam Container Terminal were also present.