AP CM calls for policy to achieve net-zero pollution levels in State

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked the officials to prepare a clear and actionable policy for the disposal of all types of plastic waste. 

Chairing a review meeting with the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and senior officials from various departments on Monday, the Chief Minister underlined the need to bring down the pollution levels to net-zero through systematic monitoring and firm enforcement.

Mr. Naidu said that pollution across categories such as air, water, industrial waste, bio-waste and plastic waste must be studied scientifically using advanced technology. The officials need to issue warnings to industries or individuals violating pollution norms, before initiating strict action. 

Highlighting the seriousness of plastic pollution, he said urban and rural areas must adopt measures to reduce single-use plastics and link all categories of waste management to an effective circular economy framework. 

Any negligence in biomedical waste disposal will not be tolerated. With 15,526 healthcare facilities operating across the State, he insisted that all bio-waste generated must be disposed of within 48 hours, with CCTV surveillance and technology-driven oversight to ensure compliance.

The Chief Minister also asked the officials to conduct comprehensive air-quality analyses and adopt the latest monitoring systems, integrating real-time data with the AWARE 2.0 platform.

Environmental clearances

He said environmental clearances should align with the State’s Speed of Doing Business guidelines and fixed timelines for industry approvals, including 12 days for red-category units, 10 days for orange-category units and three days for green-category units.

Mr. Naidu also instructed the government departments to expedite the commissioning of all sewage treatment plants and take focused action to curb mining-related pollution.

Raising concerns about the long-term impact of plastic sheets used in micro-irrigation, he advised agricultural agencies to promote biodegradable alternatives and create awareness among farmers.

Mr. Naidu called for training programmes on pollution control and environmental protection. 

Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairman P. Krishnaiah requested for additional staff for the department, a proposal the Chief Minister agreed to consider.

Senior officials from Urban Development, Panchayat Raj and Health departments attended the review meeting.