Three years after Assam imposed a ban on single-use plastics, enforcement in Guwahati remains weak. Despite the 2022 directive banning plastic bags below 120 microns and other items like cups and straws, these continue to flood markets. Vendors say alternatives are costly and customers resist paying extra. Raids by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Pollution Control Board (PCBA) have had little lasting impact, as banned plastics return quickly, often sourced from neighboring states. Locals express frustration over poor implementation, with plastic waste contributing heavily to flash floods and pollution. GMC officials admit enforcement is inconsistent and public cooperation is lacking. The PCBA claims it’s not responsible for enforcement, leaving action to GMC and police. Without sustained crackdowns and affordable alternatives, the plastic ban risks becoming meaningless amid mounting environmental damage.
Three Years On, Guwahati’s Plastic Woes Persist
