Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched an initiative to reduce plastic waste during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
In an effort to curb the use of single-use plastics and promote eco-friendly practices, BMC has appealed to residents not to carry bhog (prasad) in polythene bags. To spread awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal, the civic body has decided to set up kiosks at major Puja pandals in areas like Baramunda, Nayapalli, Sahid Nagar, Rasulgarh, Jharpada and Damana.
These kiosks will display awareness messages through boards and distribute leaflets to discourage the use of polythene bags. Volunteers will be deployed at the kiosks to interact with citizens and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices.
According to BMC, the city typically generates around 800 metric tons of waste daily, with nearly 200 tons being plastic waste. During Durga Puja, the volume of solid waste increases by an additional 200 metric tons every day, putting immense pressure on sanitation workers and waste management systems. To monitor the awareness drive, BMC has assigned three zonal deputy commissioners along with other officials, while senior officers will personally visit the kiosks in rotation.
By promoting eco-friendly practices and proper waste disposal, BMC aims to reduce the burden on waste management systems and make the celebrations more sustainable. The corporation urges residents to cooperate and use designated dustbins for Puja waste, rather than dumping it on roads or near pandals.
