Ineffective Ban on Single-Use Plastics in Guwahati Leads to Continued Waste Problem

Despite a ban on single-use plastics by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA), plastic products remain widely used in the city. Nearly a year after the ban, items like plastic bags, straws, and wrappers are still common, contributing to Guwahati’s growing plastic waste issue. Locals criticize the GMC for irregular enforcement, leading to ineffective control over plastic use. As of February 2024, plastic waste accounted for 20% of the city’s solid trash, with around 120 tonnes produced daily.