Telangana Bans Single-Use Plastics in Visakhapatnam Amid Rising Pollution

Amid escalating pollution levels in Visakhapatnam, the Telangana government on Thursday announced a ban on single-use plastics in the district. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan emphasized the need for adopting biodegradable materials as replacements.

To combat air pollution, the previous government had allocated ₹19.15 crore under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) scheme between 2022 and 2024. Additionally, the Union government provided ₹129.25 crore for pollution control. However, due to negligence by the earlier administration, these measures were less effective in addressing pollution concerns.

The state government plans to review the pollution levels in the city and take necessary actions to mitigate the issue.

Also read: India’s Economy Expected to Accelerate in Q3 FY2025: ICRA

As of 11 a.m. on Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Visakhapatnam stood at 184, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Meanwhile, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 378, categorized as ‘very poor,’ as of the same time. The national capital continues to struggle with worsening air quality, particularly in the aftermath of Diwali celebrations.