Single-use plastic has been 'banned' several times in the city in the past but the use of such items continues. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation and the erstwhile Krishna district administration banned and enforced the rule to a large extent in 2019. A gazette notification was also published in the Krishna District Gazette on August 21, 2019, and the rules and regulations for the ban on non-biodegradable plastics were framed.
Plastic covers, plates, disposable plastic cups, plastic papers, straws, thermocol, and water packets which are not useful for recycling were banned in the VMC limits then.
Municipal staff including sanitary inspectors, supervisors and others have been authorised to prevent and take necessary legal action against the violators who manufacture, store, transport, sell and use the prohibited plastic items within the city limits. The civic body also promoted alternative items made of alternative and eco-friendly materials in a big way.
