Wed Apr 30 04:06:33 UTC 2025: ## Visakhapatnam’s Single-Use Plastic Ban Falters Despite Enforcement Efforts
**Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, April 30, 2025** – Despite a ban on single-use plastics in Visakhapatnam, enforcement challenges persist, with significant amounts of banned materials still visible in markets and accumulating on beaches. While rythu bazaars (farmers’ markets) have successfully implemented the ban, other areas like fish and vegetable markets, weekly markets, and hawking points show widespread disregard.
According to residents, large quantities of single-use plastic waste are piling up, raising concerns about environmental damage and potential monsoon-related problems. The Andhra Pradesh Federation of RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) is actively promoting awareness and encouraging the use of alternatives like jute bags.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) reports conducting over 63,000 inspections since January, resulting in thousands of violations, seizures of banned plastic, and fines levied. However, the Chief Medical Officer (Public Health) acknowledges that voluntary commitment from citizens is crucial for the ban’s success. He highlighted the problem of paper plates with plastic layers, which are increasingly used at functions and are even more environmentally damaging than plastic bags. The city’s need for large quantities of eco-friendly alternatives like jute bags was also emphasized. The ongoing struggle underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach involving stricter enforcement, increased public awareness, and readily available sustainable alternatives.
First Piper 