As Durga Puja approaches, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a public appeal urging citizens to avoid using polythene bags, especially for carrying bhog and other offerings.
The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics and manage the spike in waste generation during the festive season.
According to BMC officials, the city produces around 800 metric tonnes of waste daily, with nearly 200 tonnes comprising plastic. During Durga Puja, this figure rises by an additional 200 metric tonnes per day, straining sanitation infrastructure and posing serious environmental challenges.
To tackle this, BMC will set up awareness kiosks at major Puja pandals in Baramunda, Nayapalli, Sahid Nagar, Rasulgarh, Jharpada, and Damana. These kiosks will feature educational boards, distribute leaflets, and deploy volunteers to engage with citizens on proper waste disposal practices. Officials will also monitor the campaign through zonal commissioners and senior officers.
Citizens are encouraged to use eco-friendly alternatives and dispose of puja waste in designated bins rather than on roads or near pandals. The initiative aligns with broader sustainability goals and reflects BMC’s commitment to cleaner, greener celebrations.
