Strict measures on cards to enforce ban on single-use plastic in Vizag, says Collector

Mayor G. Hari Venkata Kumari and Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad looking at eco-friendly products on display during the  ‘Swarna Andhra-Swachch Andhra’ programme at R.K. Beach in Visakhapatnam on March 15, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Expressing displeasure that the ban on the single-use plastic in the city has failed to yield the desired results, Visakhapatnam Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad has said that the goal cannot be achieved without the cooperation of the denizens.

Addressing a gathering of people and officials during the ‘Swarna Andhra-Swachch Andhra’ programme at R.K Beach on Saturday (March 15, 2025), Mr. Prasad said the district administration chalked out an action plan in November last year to ban the single-use plastic effective from January 1, 2025.

“Steps will be taken to ensure strict enforcement of ban on single-use plastic. Teams will be deployed for conducting raids,” he said.

Several meetings were organised with all the stakeholders including citizens, plastic manufacturers, and awareness campaigns were launched before implementing the ban. However, the single-use plastic are being used in many parts of the city now. Despite so much if efforts to end the plastic menace, the results are not very encouraging, he said.

“Apart from citizens, the commercial establishments and vendors should also ensure that plastic is not used,” he said.

Elaborating on the health hazards associated with the use of plastic, including cancer, the Collector urged the people to replace plastic with cloth, jute or other eco-friendly material. He stressed the need for the strict implementation of segregation of waste at source by citizens before its collection by sanitation staff.

Mr. Prasad said that the ‘Swachch Andhra’ programme is being organised on the third Saturday (March 15, 2025) of every month with a different theme and this month’s theme is ‘single-use plastic ban’.

As part of the programme, a rally was taken out. Principal Secretary K. Bhaskar, who is also the District in-charge officer, flagged off the rally.

The officials from Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) displayed cloth bags, paper plates and other eco-friendly material which can be used as replacement for plastic.