Sun Jun 15 03:04:18 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) P. Narayana has stated that the Andhra Pradesh state government is committed to clearing 8.5 million tonnes of garbage within one year. He claims that 4.5 million tonnes have already been cleared and expects another 3.5 million tonnes to be cleared within three months. Narayana blames the previous YSRCP government for the massive garbage accumulation and a significant debt burden. He highlighted efforts, including partnerships with companies like Zigma, to increase the daily garbage clearance rate. He emphasized the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in initiating the “Swachh Andhra” program.
**News Article:**
**Andhra Pradesh Aims to Clear Legacy of Garbage Within a Year**
**Tirupati, June 15, 2025** – Andhra Pradesh Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, P. Narayana, has reaffirmed the state government’s ambitious plan to eliminate 8.5 million tonnes of accumulated garbage within the next 365 days. Speaking after inspecting the Ramapuram dump in Tirupati on Saturday, Minister Narayana stated that significant progress has been made, with approximately 4.5 million tonnes of waste already cleared.
“We are on track to clear an additional 3.5 million tonnes within the next three months,” Minister Narayana stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving sanitation across the state.
The Minister attributed the extensive backlog of waste to the previous YSRCP government, alleging that they had neglected waste management initiatives and left a substantial debt burden of ₹10 lakh crore. He emphasized the current administration’s dedication to reversing this trend, referencing Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s earlier pledge in October 2024 to eradicate the garbage within a year.
Minister Narayana further pointed out that numerous cleanliness campaigns and consultations have been held to accelerate waste clearance. The government has partnered with private companies, such as Zigma in Tirupati, which is contracted to clear 900 tonnes of legacy garbage daily. Despite these efforts, the minister acknowledged that the current daily clearance rate of 2,700 tonnes by municipalities remains below the required amount.
The minister explained that Zigma is currently employing generators to power its operations, because a power connection hasn’t been arranged.
The minister’s remarks underscore the Andhra Pradesh government’s determination to address its waste management challenges and create a cleaner environment for its citizens. The success of this initiative will depend on the continued collaboration between the government, municipalities, and private partners.