Ahmedabad, March 16 (NationPress) The Gujarat High Court has praised the efforts of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in tackling the use of banned plastic materials within the city, as reported by officials on Monday.

The court recommended that other significant municipal corporations in Gujarat adopt a comparable strategy to enhance plastic waste management.

In a recent ruling, the court acknowledged the initiatives enacted by AMC's Solid Waste Management Department to transform Ahmedabad into a "prohibited plastic-free city".

During the hearings, the municipal body provided comprehensive details about the city’s solid waste management system, which includes processes for handling confiscated plastic waste, upcycling plastic products, and their applications in cement manufacturing and waste-to-energy facilities.

The civic body also shared information regarding adherence to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, highlighting the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) standards and details on registered recyclers active in the system.

Upon reviewing the documentation, the High Court expressed its approval of the actions taken by AMC in collecting, processing, and managing plastic waste while enforcing the Plastic Waste Management Rules throughout the city.

The court urged other large municipal corporations in Gujarat, such as Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara, to proactively engage in plastic waste management by emulating the model established by AMC.

As per AMC, enforcement actions are being intensified across the city to prohibit the usage of banned plastic products.

Under the regulations enforced by the civic body, plastic bags thinner than 120 microns and non-woven carry bags under 60 GSM are strictly prohibited.

To ensure compliance, sanitation teams are conducting daily inspections across all 48 wards distributed over seven administrative zones in the city.

In the past year, authorities have issued notices to 1,48,413 individuals and businesses found violating the rules, leading to penalties totaling Rs 4.29 crore.

Additionally, sealing actions have been executed against approximately 20,926 units for breaching regulations.

Municipal teams have also confiscated and disposed of nearly 9,626 kg of banned plastic during enforcement operations.

Special enforcement campaigns occur bi-weekly in food markets, grocery stores, vegetable and fruit markets, and among street vendors, which have been identified as significant sources of plastic bag usage.

According to the penalty framework implemented by AMC, fines of Rs 1,000 are imposed for the first violation, Rs 3,000 for a second infraction, and Rs 5,000 for any subsequent violations.

Units caught manufacturing or selling banned plastic in large quantities are also subject to sealing measures.

Officials noted that the campaign aims to genuinely eliminate plastic from the city and will require active cooperation from both residents and businesses.

"This intensive action is also in preparation for major upcoming events, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the potential 2036 Olympics. The city is undergoing a significant transformation," officials remarked.