VMC Commissioner calls for stricter ban on single-use plastic

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) Commissioner Dhyanachandra H.M. on Saturday said that it is a matter of pride that Vijayawada secured fourth place in the 10 lakh+ population category as the Swachh Super League city, out of 4,589 cities that participated in the Swachh Survekshan-2024 survey.

Speaking at “Swachh Andhra – Swarna Andhra” programme in Satyanarayanapuram on Saturday (July 19), he said that the award belongs to people, sanitation workers, officials who contributed to maintain cleanliness in the city. He also called for a ban on single-use plastics of less than 120 microns.

“Starting from government offices, schools, colleges, a mandatory plastic ban should be implemented with the cooperation of the people and business organisations. There should also be awareness among people about ill-effects of plastic,” he said.

Officials felicitate VMC Commissioner Dhyanachandra H.M. as the city received “Super Swachh League Award”, at a programme in Vijayawada on Saturday
| Photo Credit:
G.N. RAO

Explaining the effects of single-use plastic, the Commissioner said that it causes health problems for not only human beings but also for aquatic animals. It takes about 400 years for a plastic cover to decompose. He encouraged people to use jute or cloth bags instead.

About 1,170 kg of seized plastic was displayed during the programme. Fines have been introduced for a stricter implementation of the ban, the Commissioner said.

Students take part in an awareness campaign on the ill effects of plastic, during “Swachh Andhra–Swarna Andhra” programme in Vijayawada on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
G.N. RAO

Later, the Commissioner handed over cloth bags to those who gave away plastic at a counter specially set up for this programme. Later, school students participated in a rally to plant saplings to reduce pollution and create awareness among the people about the ban on single-use plastic.

Meanwhile, at a press conference, Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi lauded the efforts of people and sanitation workers in getting an award for the city. She said that it was a first time that the city received an award in the category of cities having population of more than 10 lakh. The first three spots went to Indore, Surat and Navi Mumbai, and Vijayawada has secured the fourth, she said, expressing happiness.

Ms. Bhagyalakshmi recalled that this is the second time, first being in 2021, that she received an award from the President. The city has also received an award in the ‘Garbage Free City’ category.

Deputy Mayor Bellam Durga, Sailaja Reddy and YSRCP Floor Leader Venkata Satyanarayana were also present at the press meeting.