Guntur imposes complete ban on single-use plastic from today

The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has initiated a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic and plastic carry bags under 120 microns thick in the city on Monday. This move aims to safeguard public health and the environment, as declared by Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok. The ban extends to commercial establishments, shops, street vendors, and the general public.

Individuals found utilizing or selling prohibited plastic items will be subject to fines and legal action. Repeated violators, even after receiving fines twice, will face the cancellation of their trade licenses and the sealing of their establishments, warned the Commissioner. To ensure compliance, ward-level task force teams will conduct daily inspections at wholesale and retail shops and warehouses, looking for the sale and use of banned plastic items.

Ashok has urged residents and traders to replace plastic bags with eco-friendly alternatives like cloth or paper bags and cooperate with the civic body in preserving the city’s environment. The GMC has also appealed to residents to report any sale or use of plastic covers under 120 microns and single-use plastic in the city by contacting its call center at 0863-2345103.