Awareness campaign against plastic use

Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) swung into action to eliminate plastic use in the city. After the recent two spells of heavy rain at various places, including beaches, the plastic waste floated on to the shore and roads.

Taking a serious note on the issue, GVMC Swachh Bharat ambassadors launched mega awareness campaign against the plastic usage particularly below 50 micron plastic bags. The awareness programme was conducted at one of the most popular vegetable markets Poorna Market in the city on Saturday.

The Swachh Ambassadors led by its coordinator Prof V Balamohan Das and other members, including Vice-Chancellor of Centurion University Prof GSN Raju, Shirin Rehman, PLK Murthy and VV Ramana Murthy and others were present in the campaign and administered pledge with the vegetable and other vendors that they never use plastic bags.

Later, they explained about the threat and danger about the plastic waste. The requested the vendors to promote cloth and jute bags instead of plastic bags. On the occasion, the Swachh Ambassadors also urged the consumers to bring cloth bags from their houses instead of buying the plastic bags in the markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Additional Commissioner of GVMC SS Varma said the plastic elimination programme was launched from Poorna Market and would continue in the city. If necessary, the consumers should buy plastic bags, but which have to be made above 50 microns thickness.

Chief Medical Officer of GVMC Dr Hemanth said warned the shoppers and vendors that penal amounts would be imposed on those who are buying and selling plastic bags made below 50 microns. Responding on the issue, representatives of Poorna Market Vendors Association and Vinayaka Varthaka Sangham assured the officials and Swachh Ambassadors that they would also join hands with the GVMC to eliminate plastic usage.