AMC’s plan to procure 6.9 lakh plastic bags raises questions amid plastic ban drive

The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has come under scrutiny after deciding to procure nearly 6.9 lakh plastic bags, even as it continues to enforce strict action against the use of such materials across Ahmedabad.

The move has sparked debate over alleged double standards, with the civic body regularly conducting drives under its plastic-free campaign, imposing fines on traders and sealing units found using or distributing banned plastic.

Officials said the bags, in various sizes, would be sourced from a private agency for municipal use. However, critics have questioned the rationale, pointing out that the same authority has been penalising shopkeepers, hawkers and small businesses for similar usage.

In recent drives, the AMC has collected substantial fines and taken punitive action, including sealing units involved in the manufacture or use of plastic bags. Alternatives such as biodegradable bags are also available in the market, observers noted.

The decision to procure plastic bags has therefore drawn criticism, with some questioning why the civic body is not adopting alternative materials if it expects citizens to comply with environmental norms.

Officials, however, indicated that the bags are intended for specific operational purposes and do not pose environmental concerns in their usage.