Yamunanagar MC launches awareness campaign against single-use plastic items

The Municipal Corporation of Yamunanagar-Jagadhri (MCYJ) is stepping up its efforts to secure a top position in Swachh Survekshan 2025 by undertaking various cleanliness initiatives.

Door-to-door awareness programmes are being conducted across the city to educate residents on the importance of cleanliness. In addition, awareness rallies are being held to further promote hygiene and cleanliness in the local community.

Following instructions from Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Parsad, the IEC (Information, Education, Communication) team of MCYJ launched a special campaign against single-use plastic in Ward 10.

Sanitation Inspector Bittu Singh, IEC Expert Durgesh, Pawan Pratap Yadav, social worker Mamta and other prominent local citizens participated in the campaign. Together, they educated both residents and shopkeepers on the harmful effects of single-use plastic and advised them to switch to eco-friendly alternatives like jute or cloth bags instead of banned polythene carry bags.

“During the campaign, the Municipal Corporation team highlighted the environmental damage caused by single-use plastic items and urged people to refrain from using them,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Dheeraj Kumar.

Kumar said a ban is in place on 19 single-use plastic items, including polythene carry bags, plastic spoons, plates, cups, forks, straws, trays, thermocol decorative items, PVC banners, plastic flags and other similar items.

“The Municipal Corporation takes strict action against shopkeepers found selling these banned items. We periodically issue fines and confiscate goods from those selling illegal polythene products,” he added.

Dheeraj Kumar also urged the public to carry cloth or jute bags for shopping, replacing the need for plastic bags. He further stressed the importance of shopkeepers using cloth bags instead of banned plastic alternatives.

“Polythene carry bags are extremely harmful to both humans and animals, as they can cause health problems, including life-threatening diseases like cancer,” said AMC Dheeraj Kumar.