World Environment Day: Chandrababu Pedals for Sustainability in Vizag

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu marked World Environment Day on Friday by leading a cycling rally in Visakhapatnam , highlighting the importance of sustainable living and environmental conservation .

The Chief Minister cycled from Andhra University to a hotel where he was scheduled to attend a seafood exports workshop. Public representatives, government officials, and local residents joined the rally, turning it into a citywide awareness initiative.

Addressing the media before the event, Naidu urged people to adopt cycling as part of their everyday lifestyle. He said collective action was essential to address environmental challenges and build greener communities.

Calling for Andhra University to become a model of sustainability, the Chief Minister directed officials to work towards transforming the institution into a net-zero campus . He recommended large-scale plantation drives across unused land and greater reliance on solar energy to meet the university's power needs.

Naidu expressed concern over rising temperatures and extreme weather events, describing them as signs of growing ecological imbalance. He stressed the need for long-term measures to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions.

The Chief Minister also announced plans for a dedicated cycling track in Visakhapatnam and reaffirmed the government's goal of increasing the city's green cover to 50 percent. He added that efforts were underway to curb pollution linked to port and industrial activities.

The rally, which began at the Andhra University grounds, covered about 5.5 kilometres and served as a symbolic call for healthier lifestyles and stronger environmental stewardship.