CII Summit to Be India’s First Zero Waste Event in Vizag

The CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on November 14 and 15 will be India’s first zero-waste event. Swachh Andhra Corporation Chairman Kommareddy Pattabhi Ram announced the initiative on Thursday. He said the goal is to present Visakhapatnam as a city committed to sustainable and responsible urban development.

Mr. Pattabhiram inspected the arrangements at Andhra University Grounds. He said every bit of waste at the venue will be recycled or reused. Nothing will enter landfills or water bodies, he said.

He later held a review meeting at the GVMC head office. Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, GVMC Additional Commissioner D. V. Ramanamurthy, and senior officials attended. Mr. Pattabhiram said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Ministers have been engaging with global companies to attract new investments. The summit will host about 3,000 delegates from India and abroad. Officials estimate an investment potential of ₹10 lakh crore. The proposals could create jobs for nearly 7.5 lakh youth, he said.

City teams have worked for weeks to improve roads, greenery, and public spaces near the venue. The zero-waste plan includes on-site composting units and waste segregation counters. GVMC is partnering with authorised recyclers to ensure complete processing of waste.

Plastic will not be allowed at the event. Organisers will use glass and clay containers, biodegradable cups, and reusable serving items. Cloth banners and digital screens will replace flex boards. QR codes will provide event information to reduce printed material.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said hosting the summit is a significant moment for Visakhapatnam. He added that achieving a zero-waste model will set an example for future events in the city.