Violations of the plastic ban in Hyderabad are a common sight, according to media reports. And many feel the GHMC’s lack of action is tantamount to encouraging the violations. While there is an umbrella ban on the usage of plastic bags owing to environmental concerns, one can see the usage of plastic bags in thousands on a daily basis.

What’s more deplorable is the fact that low-quality, cheap plastic bags are also being used in large quantities, especially when one buys fruits or vegetables from street-side vendors. Some time back, in keeping with worldwide awareness against the usage of plastic bags, GHMC announced a ban to safeguard the environment and public health. However, this hasn’t stopped the companies from manufacturing cheap polythene bags from the outskirts of the city and even marketing them.

This shows that the GHMC is definitely not serious about implementing the plastic ban in the city. If one looks closely, one can make out that plastic bags are not only being used by cart-pullers but also by restaurants and hotels that deliver food to customers.

Various measures were taken up to discourage the usage of plastic bags in many malls in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, though the GHMC has failed to stop the usage of plastic bags in populated areas where they are widely used.

Ironically, GHMC hasn’t been successful in stopping the usage of polythene bags that are less than 14 microns. When asked about the same, the civic body says it does not have the required manpower to implement the ban.