“Operation Clean Sweep” campaign launched in Visakhapatnam
District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Saturday launched “Operation Clean Sweep”, a month-long special sanitation drive aimed at strengthening solid waste management and improving cleanliness standards across the city.
The programme was inaugurated at Lumbini Park near RK Beach in the presence of GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, civic officials, and sanitation workers, who also participated in a cleanliness drive organised as part of the campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kishore said the initiative was being implemented in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions on the enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. He said the State government was taking steps to ensure scientific disposal of waste and effective sanitation management in urban areas.
The Collector said the city administration was focusing on achieving full implementation of solid waste management norms in Visakhapatnam. Measures were also being taken to keep roads, drains, and public spaces free of garbage, he added.
As part of the month-long campaign, the authorities would focus during the first week on the removal of yellow points, red points, and garbage dumping sites identified across the city, Mr. Kishore said.
He called upon officials, sanitation workers, and residents to actively participate in the programme and support efforts to create awareness on waste segregation and scientific disposal of municipal waste.
Stating that the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) had already been implementing waste management measures effectively, the Collector said a special action plan was being taken up to eliminate garbage dumps in merged villages.
Referring to the ongoing Swachh Survekshan 2026 assessment, Mr. Kishore said third-party surveys were being conducted on behalf of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. He appealed to citizens to extend their cooperation and help Visakhapatnam secure a top position in the national cleanliness rankings.
GVMC Additional Commissioner Nallanayya, CMO Naresh Kumar, Swachh Andhra Corporation directors Ramireddy and Nagalakshmi, among others, were present.