Staff reporter
Guwahati: As Guwahati begins to recover from the latest episode of urban flooding, conservationists have voiced serious concerns over the role of single-use plastic in aggravating the city’s drainage woes. Packaged drinking water bottles and other forms of plastic waste have emerged as key culprits, clogging drains and obstructing the free flow of rainwater.
With the rainfall subsiding and floodwaters beginning to recede since Sunday, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched massive post-flood cleanup operations across the city. Civic workers were seen removing large volumes of plastic waste, primarily discarded water bottles, from drains in several localities.
While a senior GMC official admitted that plastic waste contributes to the choking of smaller drains, they cautioned against pinning the blame for flooding solely on it. “Plastic waste sometimes clogs the small drains. However, it cannot directly be said that plastic waste causes the floods in the city,” the official said.
Environmentalists and residents, however, disagree. “The irresponsible use of single-use plastic is definitely one of the reasons behind the worsening floods in Guwahati,” said a concerned citizen. “It blocks drains, causes overflow, and pollutes our water bodies. The lack of enforcement of the single-use plastic ban is a major failure.”
Experts also warn that floating plastic often gives a false sense of clear drainage, while in reality, blockages lie beneath. Guwahati, a city of over 13 lakh people, generates more than 100 tonnes of plastic waste daily.
In 2023, the Assam government had introduced a ban on the use, sale, and manufacture of packaged drinking water bottles below one litre. However, the ban was soon suspended following opposition from manufacturers, who argued that it would severely impact their businesses and urged the government to reconsider.
The restriction takes effect immediately. Authorities have warned that any violation of the directive will invite legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
However, the order also allows for an appeal process. Any affected individual or organization can submit a written objection requesting modification or cancellation of the directive.
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