The district administration has announced that the historic Kataka Bali Yatra will be completely plastic-free this year.
Authorities have rolled out strict regulations prohibiting the use of all plastic items within the fairgrounds to protect the fragile ecology along the Mahanadi riverbed.
Under the new directives, no merchant or vendor will be permitted to use plastic cups, plates, carry bags, or polythene sheets. Instead, the administration has strongly encouraged the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives, primarily traditional Sal leaf plates and biodegradable utensils.
To ensure a smooth transition and ease the financial burden on vendors, the government has arranged to supply subsidised Sal leaf plates at affordable rates. This proactive measure ensures that local business owners can easily access eco-friendly supplies without compromising their profit margins.
However, the administration has made it clear that leniency will not be tolerated. The Collector has warned that any vendor or shopkeeper caught violating the plastic ban will face immediate legal action. Furthermore, authorities have the full mandate to cancel the shop allotments of repeat offenders on the spot.
As millions prepare to gather for this world-famous cultural extravaganza, the district administration has passionately appealed to both the general public and traders to cooperate. Keeping the Mahanadi River banks clean and preserving the pristine beauty of this grand festival is a collective responsibility that requires active participation from everyone.
