Citizens’ Support Key to Clean, Green Vizag: GVMC Official

GVMC Additional Commissioner D.V. Ramana Murthy urged citizens to keep Visakhapatnam pollution-free.Speaking at the “Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra” programme on Clean Air at Bheemili Beach Park, he encouraged solar power under PM Surya Ghar Yojana. He also advised saving fuel, using electric transport, and planting trees. Additionally, he requested citizens to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner.

The event started with a Swachh Pledge led by Mr. Murthy. Following this, he planted saplings and released a Swachh Diwali – Shubh Diwali poster promoting green celebrations. He also distributed cloth bags to reduce single-use plastics.

Swachh Andhra Director Nagalakshmi stressed that public effort is vital to preserve the city’s natural beauty. She praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra drive. She urged citizens to adopt green transport and plant more trees for a sustainable city.

Several environmental awareness stalls displayed information and distributed saplings. The Green Climate Team NGO provided brinjal, chili, tomato, and marigold saplings to residents and institutions. Meanwhile, Gau-based Farmers Association District President Datla Subrahmanya Varma donated 300 kg of native forest seeds for Bheemili Narasimha Swamy Temple Hill. St. Joseph’s Women’s Degree College contributed 30,000 seed balls, and Mission Green Bheemili added 25,000 free of cost.

Mr. Murthy, together with the Green Climate Team and Mission Green Bheemili, launched a drone-based seed dispersal drive. This initiative spread forest and vegetable seeds across the hill.

The programme welcomed Chief Medical Officer Dr. E.N.V. Naresh Kumar, Bheemili Zonal Commissioner Ayyappa Naidu, TDP leader Ganta Nookaraju, GVMC SRU Team members, and representatives from environmental groups and colleges.