The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) will enforce a complete ban on plastic carry bags with a thickness of less than 120 microns and on all notified single-use plastic (SUP) items within its limits starting August 15, 2026. This decision comes in accordance with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change notification GSR No. 571(E) dated August 12, 2021, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

Municipal Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok on Monday (July 27, 2026), sought the cooperation of residents, traders, and commercial establishments in implementing the ban to safeguard the environment and maintain urban cleanliness.

The Commissioner urged shopkeepers, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, street vendors, and the general public to completely discontinue the use of plastic products that pose a serious threat to the environment and public health. He advised them to switch to eco-friendly alternatives such as paper bags, jute bags, and cloth bags.

Warning of strict enforcement, the Commissioner said violators found using, selling, storing, transporting or distributing banned plastic items from August 15 would face penalties of up to ₹5,000, besides legal action under the relevant provisions of law.

Citizens can report violations or seek information by contacting the GMC helpline at 0863-2345103. The Commissioner called upon all sections of society to voluntarily participate in making Guntur a plastic-free city.

Published - July 27, 2026 07:39 pm IST