Amaravati, June 18, 2025 – In a decisive move towards environmental sustainability, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has announced a complete ban on single-use plastic across 17 major cities in the state, effective from October 2, 2025—marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and symbolizing a renewed commitment to Swachh Bharat and environmental responsibility.
The decision was unveiled during a high-level review meeting on urban development and solid waste management, where the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution and reduce its harmful impact on health, ecosystems, and marine life.
Cities Covered Under the Ban
The ban will be enforced in the following 17 municipal corporations and key urban centers:
- Visakhapatnam
- Vijayawada
- Guntur
- Nellore
- Kurnool
- Kadapa
- Rajahmundry
- Kakinada
- Tirupati
- Anantapur
- Ongole
- Eluru
- Srikakulam
- Vizianagaram
- Chittoor
- Machilipatnam
- Bhimavaram
These cities have been prioritized due to their high population density and significant plastic waste generation.
Scope of the Ban
The ban targets commonly used single-use plastic items, including:
- Plastic carry bags (irrespective of thickness)
- Plastic cutlery (spoons, forks, knives)
- Straws and stirrers
- Plastic plates, cups, and glasses
- Wrapping films and sachets used for packaging
- Thermocol (polystyrene) items
The government has also directed municipal bodies to coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, food vendors, and consumers to ensure smooth phasing out of plastic alternatives and promote eco-friendly substitutes like cloth bags, jute bags, paper packaging, and biodegradable products.
Implementation & Penalties
Dedicated enforcement teams will be deployed in each city to monitor compliance. Offenders may face:
- Fines for possession and distribution of banned items
- Seizure of goods
- Cancellation of business licenses for repeated violations
To support the transition, awareness campaigns and training programs for vendors and citizens will be launched over the next few months.
Chief Minister’s Statement
“This is not just an environmental reform—this is a social mission,” said the Chief Minister. “Plastic is choking our drains, polluting our rivers, and damaging our soil. By banning single-use plastic, we are not only protecting our environment but also creating a sustainable future for the next generation. Andhra Pradesh will lead the way in green governance.”
Public Engagement and Alternatives
The state government will work with local NGOs, schools, RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations), and self-help groups to promote reusable products and foster a plastic-free culture through community drives and plastic collection campaigns. Bulk procurement and subsidized distribution of cloth bags are also on the agenda.
Conclusion:
As India strives towards its climate and sustainability goals, Andhra Pradesh’s bold step to ban single-use plastics in urban centers could serve as a model for other states. The state’s efforts to combine policy enforcement with citizen participation mark a significant milestone in India’s environmental journey.
