CM ChandraBabu Pedals for a Greener Future

metro india news  I AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu marked World Environment Day by leading a 5.5-kilometre cycle rally through the streets of Visakhapatnam, sending a strong message on environmental conservation, sustainable mobility and healthy living. Despite the scorching afternoon heat, the Chief Minister completed the ride in 21 minutes, drawing widespread public appreciation.

The Chief Minister participated in Environment Day celebrations at the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, where he planted a sapling and unveiled an ambitious vision to increase Andhra Pradesh’s green cover to 50 percent. Addressing students, faculty members, officials and the media, he stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility and called for collective action to combat climate change and ecological degradation.

“Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental imbalance are clear warning signs. Every citizen must contribute towards protecting nature. Our government is committed to expanding Andhra Pradesh’s green cover to 50 percent,” Chandrababu said.

He directed Andhra University to transform its 450-acre campus into a model net-zero and green campus. Noting that the university currently has around 25 percent green cover, he urged authorities to double it to 50 percent through extensive plantation drives and sustainable development initiatives. The Chief Minister proposed a comprehensive green agenda that includes solar energy generation, waste-to-energy systems, composting units, biodiversity parks, wastewater recycling, biogas production and the introduction of electric bicycles for campus mobility.

Chandrababu also suggested forming a dedicated team of professors to lead the university’s sustainability mission and envisioned Andhra University emerging as a global knowledge hub for environmental studies and sustainability research.

Highlighting the government’s environmental initiatives, he said Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is spearheading a programme to distribute and plant 25 million seed balls across the state. He also announced plans to develop dedicated cycling tracks in Visakhapatnam to encourage eco-friendly transportation.

The rally, which passed through key city landmarks before concluding at Novotel, was joined by Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, public representatives, officials and local residents, turning the event into a major public campaign for environmental responsibility.