Unfulfilled Promise: The Dormant Waste to Wealth Centers in Andhra Pradesh

Ten years ago, the establishment of the waste to wealth center aimed to extract value from waste and enhance sanitation. Waste management facilities were erected in all 11 mandal centers within the agency with a total investment of 255 lakh. Regrettably, these centers have not been operational due to the inaction of the authorities. Initially launched under the National Employment Guarantee Scheme, the centers were meant to streamline garbage collection, store both wet and dry waste, produce organic fertilizers, and sell plastic bottles for profit. Each mandal center features a substantial shed costing 5 lakh, specifically designed to manage various waste types. K. Govinda Rao, the district honorary president of the Andhra Pradesh Tribal Association 5th Schedule Sadhana Committee, criticized the previous YSRC government for neglecting the waste to wealth centers established during the tenure of the previous TD government, citing unpaid salaries for employees.