VMC seizes 640.9 kg of single-use plastic during surprise inspections

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation authorities interacting with a vendor during a special drive aimed at eliminate single-use plastic in Vijayawada on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: HANDOUT The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has launched a special drive in the city to eliminate single-use plastic, said in-charge Chief Medical Officer of Health, Gopal Naik.As part of the drive, the VMC deployed 48 teams to conduct surprise inspections across the city on Tuesday. The teams inspected markets, wholesale and retail shops, supermarkets, commercial establishments, and other business premises and seized a total of 640.9 kilograms of banned single-use plastic. They imposed a penalty of ₹5,56,350 on those violating the regulations.Dr. Gopal Naik, in a press release, warned that the sale, storage, and use of single-use plastic was prohibited in the city, and strict legal action would be taken against violators. He added that their trade licences would also be cancelled.Dr. Gopal Naik explained that plastic products with a thickness of less than 120 microns pose a serious threat to the environment, as they cause land pollution and also clog drainage systems. He urged traders and the public to switch to eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth and jute bags, and paper covers. Published - July 28, 2026 09:08 pm IST