Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an advisory for Dussehra Puja, emphasising a clean environment and proper waste management. As part of the initiative, all 172 puja pandals in the city will be plastic-free, with no plastic ornaments used on the idols. Separate dustbins for wet and dry waste will be kept near the pandals, and collected garbage will be taken away by sanitation vehicles.
The BMC has also advised puja committees to maintain the safety of electricity connections and follow TPCODL rules. Security personnel will be deployed for the safety and security of the pandals. To avoid traffic congestion, special parking arrangements will be made near temples.
The Mayor has directed departmental officers to complete all preparatory work, including road repairs and laying slabs on open drains, by September 25. The BMC will award the best pandal that follows cleanliness rules. Idols will be immersed in a temporary pond prepared by the BMC, and incense sticks will be made from leftover flowers used in the puja.
