Andhra Pradesh government to build 6 new waste-to-energy projects

In a bid to strengthen waste management and urban infrastructure, the state government will set up six ‘waste-to-energy’ plants across Andhra Pradesh. The announcement has been made by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana.

He said that one of these plants will come up in Tirupati, designed to process 650 tonnes of waste daily, providing both a sustainable waste solution and energy generation.

Addressing the media after a review meeting with municipal and TUDA officials, the Minister said that the ongoing clearance of legacy garbage would be completed by October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.

He stated that the previous YSRCP government left behind 85 lakh tonnes of garbage and Rs 10 lakh crore in loans. His government has already cleared 73 lakh tonnes, and the remaining will be removed by October 2, adding that several central schemes had stalled earlier due to lack of state contributions. He also pointed out that both the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal had pulled up the state on multiple occasions over poor waste management.

Highlighting the government’s priorities, Narayana said improving basic amenities in all 120 municipalities and tackling the financial crisis are at the forefront. Under the Amrut scheme, every household in municipal areas will be provided with safe drinking water, he assured.

Focusing on Tirupati, the minister revealed plans to redevelop the dilapidated scavengers’ colony into modern housing for corporation health workers. He also promised speedy resolution of issues such as pending TDR bonds in Visakhapatnam, Guntur, and Tirupati, and the Settipalli land dispute.

Directing TUDA officials, the Minister asked them to expedite projects such as the TUDA towers, improve revenue streams, and develop new townships. Last year, Ponguru Narayana had held that waste to energy projects will throng entire Andhra Pradesh to scientifically manage waste, reduce pollution and benefit the natural environment in the state.