Singapore experts call for awareness on litter-free Andhra capital

Singapore is not only planning and designing the new capital of Andhra Pradesh but is also trying to make sure that its best practices are followed. Known for its strict anti-litter laws, Singapore has advised the Andhra government to create awareness and educate people not to litter their surroundings.

Advisors from Singapore engaged in planning the new state capital near Vijayawada held talks with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and submitted models of development.

The consultants would assist the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) to strategise and focus on key areas in the capital, such as infrastructure planning, development control, housing, solid waste management and integrated transport systems.

"A Singapore expert in solid waste management pointed out that Andhra Pradesh needs streamlining of garbage collection, segregation of waste. The expert added that the government also has to create awareness and educate people not to litter their surroundings," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office said Wednesday.

Suggesting that the processes and systems have to be streamlined, the Singaporean advisors said the state government has to make the environment conducive for private investors through policy changes and faster clearances.

The advisors noted that the capital region has a lot of potential for private sector investments to bring latest technologies, innovation, create solid waste management industry and eventually, have a national/international solid waste management centre.

Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Andhra Pradesh in December last year to prepare a master plan and develop a world-class capital city.

Last month, Singapore appointed two firms - Surbana International Consultants and Jurong International - to prepare the master plan.

The two firms will draw up a capital region plan for 7,325 square km area, a capital city master plan for 125 square km of the core of the capital city and a detailed seed development master plan for the construction of the approximately eight square km first section of the capital city.