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The Hindu

GVMC to strictly implement ban on single-use plastic during Giri Pradakshina festival

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) will continue to implement a strict ban on the usage of single-use plastic during the Giri Pradakshina festival, the annual ritual of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, scheduled for July 9. Ever since launching the 'Eco-Vizag' initiative in 2022, the GVMC has been spreading awareness on the use of single-use plastic. For the past few Giri Pradakshina festivals, plastic use was strictly banned. The authorities are taking steps to ensure this continues. This year, the district administration is expecting the participation of around five lakh devotees in the 'Giri Pradakshina', which starts on July 9 early morning. The corporation has already conducted a check along the 32-km trekking route and decided to set up 132 drinking water supply kiosks, one for every 200 metres. Besides the corporation, Simhachalam Devasthanam, a number of NGOs, resident welfare associations, welfare organisations, student organisations and volunteers are coming forward to set up drinking water, butter milk and food kiosks. The GVMC authorities have urged the RWAs, NGOs and other volunteers coming forward to the service to use only eco-friendly products to serve food or water. Chief Medical and Health Officer Naresh Kumar said the ban on single-use plastic will be strictly enforced during the festival. He clarified that, with the exception of buttermilk packets, all food and beverages should be served in eco-friendly alternatives such as paper cups, leaf plates or other sustainable materials. He added that regular water bottles sold in shops will not be restricted. Over 3,000 sanitation staff In view of the large congregation, around 3,000 sanitation staff are being deployed across the 32-km stretch of the Giri Pradakshina route. The staff are going to work on shifts and ensure the trekking route is clear. In the meanwhile, the corporation will also set up dustbins along the route and urge the public to utilise them.