The ‘Swachh Andhra - HDFC Swachhathon 2026’ in Vijayawada drew around 10,000 participants from 22 states on Friday, marking Gandhi Jayanti with a public campaign focused on cleanliness, fitness and environmental protection. The event was organised by the Swachha Andhra Corporation in collaboration with Amaravati Runners and HDFC Bank. Participants took part in 5K and 10K runs as organisers sought to promote greater public involvement in cleanliness initiatives and responsible citizenship.

Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) and Swachha Andhra Corporation chairman Kommareddy Pattabhiram flagged off the marathon at Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium on MG Road. Participants from across the country joined the two runs, while the MP also took part in a Zumba session and interacted with participants. The organisers said the scale of participation reflected growing public interest in initiatives combining fitness with civic responsibility.

Speaking at the event, Sivanath said the marathon was not merely a running event but an effort to create awareness about cleanliness and healthy living while strengthening community participation. He said Vijayawada had a distinct identity and urged residents to contribute to improving the city’s standards in cleanliness, health and environmental protection. He also emphasised that maintaining public spaces could not be left solely to government departments.

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Sivanath said the response to the first edition of the marathon had helped the event gain recognition beyond Andhra Pradesh. The participation of people from 22 states in the 2026 edition, he added, was a matter of pride for Vijayawada. He encouraged citizens to make cleanliness a shared responsibility and contribute to creating a healthier and cleaner urban environment.

Kommareddy Pattabhiram announced that Swachhathon would continue as an annual event, providing a sustained platform to promote cleanliness, physical fitness and responsible citizenship. He also thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for creating greater awareness about the Swachha Andhra initiative. Senior officials and representatives present at the event included Swachha Andhra Corporation principal secretary Suresh Kumar, MD Sunil Kumar Reddy, VMC Commissioner Dhyanachandra, Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekhar Babu, Bonda Siddharth and HDFC State Head Pawan.

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