AP CM Cycles 5.5 km in Visakhapatnam to Mark World Environment Day, Sets 50% Green Cover Target in state
Visakhapatnam, June 5 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday undertook a 5.5-kilometre cycling rally through Visakhapatnam amid scorching summer conditions to promote environmental conservation, sustainable mobility and healthy living, drawing widespread public appreciation.
Participating in World Environment Day celebrations at the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, the Chief Minister planted a sapling and unveiled an ambitious vision to increase Andhra Pradesh’s green cover to 50 per cent.
Addressing students, faculty members and the media, Naidu said environmental protection is a collective responsibility and called for urgent action to tackle climate change and ecological degradation.
“Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental imbalance are warning signs. Every individual must contribute towards protecting nature. Our government is committed to increasing Andhra Pradesh’s green cover to 50 per cent,” he said.
The Chief Minister directed Andhra University to transform its 450-acre campus into a model green and net-zero campus.
Noting that the university currently has around 25 per cent green cover, he asked authorities to double it to 50 per cent and emerge as a global centre for environmental studies and sustainability.
Naidu proposed a comprehensive sustainability roadmap for the university, including large-scale tree plantation, installation of solar power systems, creation of a biodiversity park, waste-to-energy projects, composting units, biogas generation facilities, wastewater recycling systems and the introduction of electric bicycles for campus transportation.
He also suggested constituting a dedicated team of professors to drive the university’s net-zero mission and transform it into a global knowledge hub for environmental research and sustainable development.
The Chief Minister announced that the State Government would implement focused measures to reduce pollution in Visakhapatnam, particularly in areas surrounding the port and industrial zones.
Highlighting the government’s afforestation initiatives, he said Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is leading a programme to distribute and plant 25 million seed balls across the state to improve green cover.
Naidu also stressed the need for cycling and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and announced plans to develop dedicated cycling tracks in Visakhapatnam to encourage eco-friendly transport and healthier lifestyles.
As part of the celebrations, the Chief Minister led a cycling rally from the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds through 3-Town Police Station Junction, Polamamba Temple, VUDA Park, YMCA and Beach Road before concluding at Novotel.
Despite the intense afternoon heat, Naidu completed the 5.5-kilometre ride in just 21 minutes, interacting with citizens along the route and encouraging public participation in environmental conservation efforts.
Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, elected representatives, government officials and local residents joined the rally, turning it into a major public awareness campaign on environmental responsibility.
The Chief Minister’s participation and endurance in cycling under harsh weather conditions drew widespread appreciation from the public and participants, reinforcing the government’s message on sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
TNT KM
