Focused action plan for creating wealth from waste in Andhra Pradesh
Has launched first of a kind policy to create a sustainable industrial, municipal waste management framework to convert waste into resources
Chairman of Swachh Andhra Pradesh Corporation K. Pattabhiram speaking at a programme organised by CII in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday
Visakhapatnam: Swachh Andhra Corporation Chairman K Pattabhiram on Tuesday said under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the State has launched a first of its kind Circular Economy and Waste Recycling Policy to create a sustainable industrial, municipal waste management framework to convert waste into resources.
Speaking at a conference organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here on circular economy and green companies, he said AP pushes circular economy vigorously with plans ahead to create five parks with 107 waste processing centres and recycling dashboard. To support recycling industries, Pattabhiram said a real-time digital dashboard was under development to provide region-wise data on recyclable waste streams. A Centre of Excellence and Knowledge Centre on Circular Economy and Recycling will also be set up in Vijayawada, focusing on training, research, and awareness, he disclosed.
Circular Economy could emerge as a defining pillar of India’s economic future, with an estimated national value of $2 trillion by 2050 and the potential to generate over 10 million jobs, asserted Pattabhiram.
He said the State Government is implementing a focused action plan based on the “Wealth from Waste” principle and urged industries to partner with the State in promoting environmentally responsible growth. He expressed confidence in the long-term potential of circularity.
He said the circular economy could emerge as a defining pillar of India’s economic future, with an estimated national value of $2 trillion by 2050 and the potential to generate over 10 million jobs.
He added, AP is the first State to introduce a comprehensive circular economy policy along with operational guidelines, attributing the initiative to Chief Minister Naidu’s emphasis on long-term planning and technology-led governance. Circular economy initiatives, he informed, have been prioritised under the Swarna Andhra Vision 2047, where “Swachh Andhra” is positioned as a guiding principle linking environmental hygiene with public health.
The State plans to establish five Circular Economy Parks. In addition, 107 waste processing centres are being set up to ensure scientific segregation of dry waste into categories such as plastic, glass, cardboard, and e-waste for supply to recycling industries.
CII AP Chairman Murali Krishna Gannamani in his welcome address said, AP is uniquely positioned to lead this transition. With progressive governance, strong industrial corridors, expanding ports, and a growing manufacturing base, the state has the opportunity to embed sustainability into its growth architecture. He further added the concept of a circular economy has moved beyond theory and is now firmly established as an economic imperative.
APPCB Chairman P Krishnaiah in the theme address, said modern technology offered durable solutions to pollution challenges.
He noted that the growing adoption of advanced pollution-control systems by industries was critical to addressing issues such as acid rain and industrial emissions. Collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), he added, had strengthened the State’s environmental governance.
Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce N Yuvaraj in a virtual address, said circular economy models could open new economic avenues while reducing environmental stress.
District Collector MN Haremdhira Prasad called for urgent measures to address environmental challenges. Citing scientific assessments, he pointed to rising sea levels around Visakhapatnam and deteriorating air quality, recalling that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had touched 347 on December 19 last year.
