Public support key to clean Visakhapatnam: collector

Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam district collector M Abhishikth Kishore said the city would become more beautiful through the Swarna Andhra–Swachh Andhra programme being implemented by the state government. He took part in the district-level programme held at Shivaji Park in Visakhapatnam on Saturday and felicitated sanitation workers.Speaking on the occasion, the collector said Visakhapatnam could become one of the cleanest cities in the world with the support of the people. He later planted a sapling and created awareness on environmental protection. He also unveiled a brochure on the theme “plastic-free Andhra Pradesh - plastic-free Visakhapatnam” and administered a pledge on cleanliness, environmental protection, and reducing plastic use.The collector said public participation played a key role in making Visakhapatnam one of the cleanest cities in the country. He recalled that the city regained its greenery after the Hudhud cyclone with the help of the people. He added that Visakhapatnam was gaining global recognition and that international companies such as Google were showing interest in the city.He said Visakhapatnam is ahead in sanitation and solid waste management with modern facilities and waste management systems that meet global standards. However, he stressed that public awareness and cooperation were as important as government efforts.