Visakhapatnam: The fisheries sector in Visakhapatnam is set to implement a ban on single-use plastics. On Wednesday, P. Lakshmana Rao, the Joint Director of Fisheries, convened a meeting with boat owners and fish traders, supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), to advocate for the cessation of single-use plastics in the region. As per directives issued by the Vizag district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics will be enforced in Visakhapatnam district starting 1 January 2025.
Rao stressed the importance of cooperation from the fishing community to protect the environment by reducing plastic usage in fishing boats, harbours, markets, and landing areas. A special team, led by the Assistant Director of Fisheries, has been created to ensure the ban is implemented.
During the meeting, a WWF representative, Honey, highlighted the harmful effects of plastics on marine life and human health. Other key participants included fisheries development officer D. Muraligaru, WWF representatives Ratnam and Honey, boat owners Veerraju, Nagaraju, Balaji, fisherwomen, and various other stakeholders.
