Rajahmundry City to be made plastic-free

Rajamahendravaram: Municipal Corporation (RMC) imposed a ban on plastic use in the city from August 15, as part of its endeavour to make the city free from plastic.

According to RMC Commissioner Sumit Kumar, the banned plastic included carry bags, tea cups, glasses, plates, thermocol plates, water sachets and plastic material used for packing purpose.

The plastic items not covered under ban are rain coats, plastic covers meant for pack chips, biscuits, saline bottles used in hospitals and thermocol boxes etc. 

He appealed to the people as well as tradres to use cotton and paper bags and glasses etc to protect environment.

The plastic material was obstructing the flow of drain water because of the accumulation of plastic material in the drains and posing health problems. 

Everyday the corporation was collecting 10 metric tonnes of plastic wastage as against of its 30 metric tonnes of garbage in the city.

A fine of Rs 1,000 will be imposed for first offence, followed by Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 for second and third offences relating to retail and wholesale selling of plastic in the city. 

He also said stern action would also be taken against those who dumps plastic material in drains and also in open places.