AP decides to unveil circular economy policy soon - First circular economy park to come up in Vizag

In another first, Andhra Pradesh Government will release a circular economy policy soon and set up three circular economy parks including the first one in Visakhapatnam in an area of 400 acres within a year.

According to senior officials, effective implementation of the circular economy model in Andhra Pradesh could boost the State’s GSDP by an estimated Rs.15,000 crore annually. Additionally, it will allow the supply of materials worth Rs.10,000 crore to the manufacturing sector.

This value addition is expected to generate Rs.3,000 crore annually in GST revenue.

The initiative could also create direct employment for 100,000 people and support 10,000 micro-entrepreneurs, indirectly providing livelihoods to over one million individuals. Environmental benefits include reduced carbon emissions and significant control over land, water, and air pollution.

During a discussion at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked the officials to finalise and bring out a new policy on the circular economy within two months. He instructed that three circular economy parks be established in different regions of the State within a year and called for increased deployment of modern machinery in waste-to-energy plants.

He also ordered immediate clearance of legacy waste and asked for an action plan on waste segregation and recycling to be submitted within 90 days.

The Chief Minister discussed circular economy strategies which were focused on wealth creation from waste and the reuse of resources.

Proposals from the Material Recycling Association of India regarding the establishment of circular economy parks were also reviewed. In the first phase, a park will be set up on 400 acres in Visakhapatnam, designed to meet international standards. The Chief Minister advised studying similar parks in other countries and attracting significant investments through these initiatives.

Naidu directed officials to develop a comprehensive plan focusing on 11 sectors identified by the Central Government under the circular economy framework: municipal waste, vehicles, lithium batteries, gypsum, tyres, rubber, electronics, agriculture, industry, and aqua waste. Additionally, he instructed that the departments of mining, handlooms, and animal husbandry also be included. urban and rural local bodies should strive to achieve the goal of zero waste.

To encourage best practices, the Chief Minister proposed that 'Swachhta' Awards be introduced from October 2 next year for individuals and institutions demonstrating excellence in waste management. Awards will be distributed across categories such as local bodies, self-help groups, anganwadis, schools and colleges, bus stands, hospitals, NGOs, and other organizations.

By October 2 this year, the Chief Minister wanted that single-use plastics be completely banned in four major cities, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Rajahmundry, along with 17 other municipal corporations.