Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat has called for a multi-dimensional approach to environmental stewardship, saying sustainability should extend beyond climate action to encompass food security, soil health and scientific urban planning.

Addressing the second edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Andhra Pradesh Sustainability Summit 2026 here on Friday, Mr. Sribharat said sustainability must balance economic growth with environmental responsibility through greater public participation.

“Sustainability is not just about reducing carbon footprints. It also includes water conservation, responsible industrial development and ensuring food security by eliminating food adulteration,” he said.

Referring to Visakhapatnam’s rapid urban expansion, the MP stressed the need for scientific urban planning, with a focus on improving air circulation, strengthening waste segregation systems and enforcing stricter emission controls around port and industrial areas.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s expanding maritime infrastructure, including the ports at Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, Mulapeta and Kakinada, he said these facilities should adopt green logistics and cleaner maritime fuels to enhance the State’s manufacturing competitiveness.

CII Visakhapatnam Chairman G. Krishna Mohan said the global transition towards Net Zero by 2070 is reshaping the corporate landscape. Regulatory measures such as Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) and Internal Carbon Pricing (ICP) have become essential for sustaining long-term competitiveness, he said.

G. Sambasiva Rao, Vice-Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh, said the State’s long coastline provides a unique opportunity to develop low-carbon value chains.

Delivering the theme address, Paravasthu Rambabu, Director and Chief Sustainability Officer, Greenko Group, said the future of industrial growth would rest on three pillars: clean electrons, digital technologies and green molecules. As artificial intelligence-driven industries increase electricity demand, renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen, green ammonia and green methanol will play a crucial role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, he said.

The summit featured four technical sessions covering green data centres, sustainable maritime corridors and innovation-led enterprise transformation. It concluded with a call for government, industry and civil society to work together towards building a resilient, low-carbon economy in Andhra Pradesh.