Andhra Pradesh unveils green urban reforms with incentives, AI approvals

Leaders in Andhra Pradesh, a state in India, made a big plan to help cities grow while keeping the environment clean.

They are giving rewards to builders who make 'green' buildings that save energy and water.

Buildings can get a special certificate for being eco-friendly, like a star rating.

The greener the building, the bigger the reward, with builders paying 5, 10 or even 15 per cent less in city fees.

But there is a catch: builders have to actually show their building earned the green rating, or they lose the reward and pay a penalty.

The government also wants to use smart computer tools, called AI, to check building plans faster.

A secure digital record system, called blockchain, will help make sure everything is fair and honest.

This is all part of a future vision for Andhra Pradesh called Swarna Andhra 2047, which means 'Golden Andhra 2047.'