Visakhapatnam To Get Dedicated Cycling And Walking Tracks, Says CM Chandrababu

Announcement on World Environment Day, made by the Chief Minister

On World Environment Day, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said he’s planning to create separate tracks that can be used for cycling and walking in Visakhapatnam. He shared this in a World Environment Day event held at the Andhra University (AU) Engineering College grounds, in Visakhapatnam, during the program he also planted saplings and mentioned multiple steps meant to push better sustainability and environmental management, right on the university campus.

Cycling, walking and mobility ideas

Naidu said pathways for cyclists as well as pedestrians will be developed so people can adopt eco friendly travel options, plus it supports healthier daily routines. He even went on to suggest bringing in electric bicycles within the Andhra University campus. In his view, cycling can help cut pollution, and at the same time it helps build physical fitness for students, faculty and other staff.

Solar, rooftops and self power

He underlined the need for Andhra University to meet all electricity needs from its own campus. For this, he proposed installing solar panels on vacant land and also placing panels on building rooftops, so renewable energy production increases over time. He mentioned that electricity savings worth around ₹5.18 lakh have already been achieved. He urged the university to continue the work and steadily move toward full energy independence.

Waste, compost and biogas

The Chief Minister sort of pushed for a comprehensive  waste management setup across the campus, you know, all together.

He suggested turning wet waste and fallen leaves  coming from hostels and academic blocks into compost. He also recommended that biogas be produced from organic waste and then used, like directly in campus kitchens.

For the other kinds of waste, he advised segregation right at the source. Recyclable stuff should be routed for processing, while non recyclable waste ought to be dealt with through waste-to-energy facilities.

Water Conservation and Green Campus Development

• Chandrababu emphasized the need for conserving water  and also growing greener cover across the university.
• He proposed creating sewage treatment plants  and reusing treated water for irrigation. In his understanding, no wastewater should exit the campus unless it gets treated and reused, even once.
• The Chief Minister additionally asked for large scale plantation drives and he hinted at bringing in plant species in variety from different regions of the world. He said the campus should be reshaped into a green atmosphere, something similar to the greenery developed in Tirumala and parts of Hyderabad.
• To lessen reliance on conventional fuels, he recommended using piped natural gas (PNG) or electric cooking systems in campus facilities, basically for daily operations.

Vision for Andhra University

The Chief Minister proposed setting up a panel made of professors  and experts so the university can use its internal knowledge and resources.

He invited students to share ideas for an environmental action plan  and take part in campus development activities.

Chandrababu also shared his wish to see Andhra University rise into a globally respected knowledge institution, aiming to land among the top universities across the world.

Net Zero Cycle Rally

• After the event, the Chief Minister joined in a cycle rally kind of as part of the whole “Net Zero” push.
• He rode from Andhra University over to the Novotel Hotel at Visakhapatnam. The ride was around 5.5 kilometers, and it took 21 minutes 18 seconds , more or less. The way went through the Three Town Police Station stretch, then Polamamba Temple area , Waltair and finally Beach Road.
• Even with the scorching hot weather, Chandrababu kept going and also kept chatting , greeting folks from the public as he moved along the route.
• Alongside him, Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, State Minister D.B.V. Swamy, local public representatives, and various government officials also took part in the rally.