Balasore: In response to rising air pollution, the Office of the Collector & District Magistrate has issued an urgent order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The restrictions, covering Balasore Municipality and other urban local bodies (ULBs), will remain in effect for seven days unless extended.
The order was issued by Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas, Collector & District Magistrate of Balasore, who emphasised that the measures are critical to safeguarding public health during this period of high pollution.
Key Measures Include:
- Construction Ban: All construction activities are prohibited from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m., with no demolition or earthwork allowed within municipal limits.
- Heavy Vehicle Restrictions: Trucks are barred from entering town and ULB areas. Vehicles carrying minerals or coal must follow special restrictions, and all trucks on major roads must have tarpaulin covers.
- Dust Control: Municipalities, ULBs, and NHAI must sprinkle water on roads at least three times daily.
- Open Burning Ban: Burning of waste, coal, or any fire is strictly prohibited.
- Brick Kilns: Require prior permission to operate; all construction sites must ensure water sprinkling.
Daily monitoring will be conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Balasore and Nilgiri, with compliance reports submitted to the Collector’s office. Police, municipal authorities, and the RTO have been tasked with strict enforcement.
