Collector stresses ‘zero gap’ sanitation in Visakhapatnam

District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad on Saturday underscored the need to identify and rectify sanitation gaps across Visakhapatnam, stating that cleanliness must remain a priority under the Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra initiative.

He was addressing the “Zero Gap Sanitation Andhra” programme held near the YMCA on Beach Road. Swachh Andhra Corporation Directors Botsa Ramu and Mailapalli Nagalakshmi, along with GVMC Additional Commissioners P. Nallanayak, D.V. Ramana Murthy, and S.S. Varma, attended the event.

Administering the Swachh Andhra pledge, the Collector said the Corporation had issued guidelines to conduct sanitation drives on the third Saturday of every month in 2026. The programme formed part of that schedule. He directed officials to review sanitation conditions in all wards, identify deficiencies, and take prompt corrective steps.

Mr. Harendhira Prasad said public awareness was vital and urged citizens to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean. He stressed that even as investments and industries grow, ensuring a healthy environment must remain the foremost priority. He appealed to residents to reduce plastic use, adopt eco-friendly alternatives, avoid open defecation and urination, and use public toilets.

Mr. Botsa Ramu said the government was committed to developing Visakhapatnam into a model city and sought public cooperation.

Officials later distributed licence certificates to septic tank cleaning vehicle operators, provided protective gear to sanitation workers, and released an awareness poster. GVMC Chief Medical Officer E.N.V. Naresh Kumar said septic tanks should be cleaned every three years through helpline 14420.