The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is set to implement a strict ban on single-use plastics starting January 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing “Eco-Vizag” campaign. This initiative aims to establish Visakhapatnam as a model for sustainable living and contribute to India's broader environmental goals.

To prepare for this significant transition, GVMC has launched a 45-day awareness campaign targeting residents and businesses. Key strategies include educational workshops, partnerships with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and distribution of eco-friendly alternatives. Public awareness events, such as an impactful walk on Beach Road featuring film celebrity and Swachh Visakha ambassador R.P. Patnaik, have been organized to rally community support. Participants at these events pledged to reduce plastic usage and adopt greener practices.The campaign has already garnered significant public and institutional attention, making Visakhapatnam a potential blueprint for other cities aiming to tackle plastic pollution.

The enforcement of this policy will include fines for violators and active monitoring by designated teams. GVMC officials, including Commissioner P. Sampath Kumar, have stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration in achieving a "zero garbage, zero plastic" goal. The initiative not only focuses on reducing plastic waste but also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable packaging solutions​.