Several local gram panchayats in Srikalahasti constituency are set to become cleaner with the introduction of battery-operated waste collection trucks.

Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Venkata Sudheer Reddy on Thursday formally flagged off the electronic vehicles (EVs), which were supported by Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) as part of the flagship community partnership programme ‘Project SHINE’.

The vehicles will cover around 50 waste collection routes across Cherlopalli, Thondamanadu and Kapugunneri villages.

This initiative will improve the standard of life in rural areas and strengthen the rural economy, said Mr. Sudheer Reddy, hailing the company’s initiative.

“HCCB continues to partner with local bodies across India by investing in sustainable waste-management and electric mobility infrastructure,” said company’s Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability officer Himanshu Priyadarshi.

The company also installed a water filtration unit at Kalujumitta in Challapalem gram panchayat, apart from renovating an Anganwadi centre at Katrakayalagunta in Yerpedu mandal, as part of its efforts to strengthen community infrastructure.