Collector pitches for pollution-free Vijayawada
Collective efforts are needed to ensure clean air, to make Vijayawada pollution-free, and for the realisation of Aarogyandhra, said NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha.
Speaking at a meeting organised to discuss and review the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) at the Collectorate on Tuesday, Mr. Lakshmisha said that the data collected from the air quality monitoring stations set up in hotspots in the city, should be analysed from time to time and steps should be taken to reduce Particulate Matter (PM) 10 in the air.
Noting that the PM10 suspended in the air stood at 64 µg/m³ in 2024-25, the Collector said that steps should be taken to reduce it. As per the World Health Organisation, the ideal PM10 level is 45 µg/m³.
Mr. Lakshmisha said that steps like construction of pavement roads, enhancing green areas, use of mechanical sweepers, management of solid waste, and beautification of canals should be taken up.
During the meeting with the officials from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, Vijayawada Thermal Power Station and other departments, the Collector suggested that battery, electric and solar e-rickshaws should be encouraged on a larger scale. He added that Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) will be put to use soon to ensure an efficient and smooth traffic flow in the city.
Mr. Lakshmisha also called for more vertical gardens, parks and parking slots in the city to achieve the goals of the National Clean Air Programme.
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