In a renewed push to curb plastic waste, the Belagavi City Corporation has directed hotels across the city to stop using plastic carry bags and parcel containers and switch to biodegradable alternatives from Friday, July 4.
The move comes as part of the Corporation’s campaign around Plastic Bag-Free Day, observed on July 3. Municipal health inspectors have been visiting hotels to create awareness about the new initiative and ensure compliance.
The Corporation has also held meetings with wholesale plastic bag dealers, urging them to gradually discontinue the sale of plastic carry bags and stock biodegradable alternatives instead. Officials believe that improving the availability of eco-friendly products will encourage wider adoption among businesses.
Hotel owners were given advance notice to make the transition to biodegradable containers and bags for takeaway and parcel services. The civic body expects most hotels in Belagavi to begin using environmentally friendly packaging from Friday.
The initiative is part of the Corporation’s ongoing efforts to reduce single-use plastic in the city. While cloth bag vending machines installed earlier have seen limited success, the latest drive focuses on working directly with businesses that use and supply plastic products.
The Corporation has also appealed to citizens to support the campaign by carrying reusable or cloth bags while shopping and reducing their dependence on single-use plastic.