Crackdown on Single-Use Plastic Intensified in Vijayawada
Vijayawada Municipal Corporation seized 640.9 kg of banned single-use plastic and imposed fines of ₹5.56 lakh during a citywide enforcement drive.
VMC chief medical and health officer (In-charge) Dr Gopal Naik said 48 special enforcement teams carried out surprise inspections on Tuesday across three municipal circles. The teams inspected markets, wholesale establishments, retail outlets, supermarkets and other commercial premises to check violations related to the manufacture, storage, sale and use of banned single-use plastic items.
During the enforcement drive, officials seized 640.9 kg of prohibited plastic material and imposed penalties totalling ₹5,56,350 on traders found violating the ban.
Dr Naik warned that the manufacture, storage, sale and use of single-use plastic are illegal and that stringent action would be taken against violators. He added that repeated violations could also lead to the cancellation of trade licences.
Highlighting the environmental impact of plastic products with a thickness of less than 120 microns, he said they clog drainage systems and contribute to land pollution. He urged traders and citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, jute bags and paper covers.
The VMC reiterated its commitment to making Vijayawada a single-use plastic-free city and said surprise inspections would continue regularly, with no leniency shown towards violators.