Civic body initiates removal of plastic from sewers in Guntur

The Guntur Municipal Corporation cleaned the drains and removed plastic and other waste in the drains at Basavataraka Nagar on Kakani Road in Guntur after The Hindu published a story on Sunday exposing plastic dumping in sewage systems. | Photo credit: T. Vijaya Kumar

Responding to concerns over plastic waste clogging the city’s drains, as highlighted in a report by The Hindu on Sunday, the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has stepped up its cleaning efforts.

According to GMC authorities, on Monday, the city, which has a sewer network of over 3,130 km, is undergoing cleaning to remove plastic waste, silt and debris that block the flow of water. Officials have identified nearly 100 locations where heavy plastic build-up has been reported, and cleanup is underway in the remaining sections.

GMC Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok said that despite the ban on single-use plastics, waste continues to accumulate in drains. Plastic accumulates in sewers, especially water bottles, which are not banned. The commissioner urged the residents to cooperate with the GMC in keeping the sewage system clean to ensure smooth flow of rainwater during monsoon.

Published – 31 Aug 2026 23:47 IST