The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) will strictly enforce the ban on single-use plastic across the city from August 17, in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules and the directions of the Andhra Pradesh Government, Municipal Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok said on Wednesday.

Ahead of the enforcement drive, awareness programmes were conducted in ward secretariats by environment secretaries, public health officials and sanitation workers.

Mr. Ashok said a dedicated task force comprising Deputy Commissioners, Health Officers and Sanitary Supervisors had been constituted to ensure effective implementation of the ban.

From August 17, the committee will launch a drive to curb the manufacture, storage, transportation, sale and use of prohibited single-use plastic items.

Special teams will inspect warehouses, wholesale and retail establishments, and street vendors across the city. Any banned plastic material found during inspections will be seized, while the violators will face spot fines through the 'Swachh Guntur App'. Repeated violations will invite legal action, he warned.

The Municipal Commissioner said extensive awareness campaigns would also be organised in all wards, in association with public representatives, voluntary organisations, women's and youth groups, and resident welfare associations, to educate citizens and traders about the harmful effects of single-use plastic and promote sustainable alternatives.

He appealed to the denizens and business establishments to cooperate in making Guntur a healthy, plastic-free city.

Published - August 05, 2026 06:51 pm IST