Balasore District Imposes GRAP Stage‑II Restrictions to Combat Rising Air Pollution

Balasore, Odisha — In a decisive move to address worsening air quality, the Balasore District administration has enforced Stage‑II guidelines of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The emergency order, effective immediately across Balasore Municipality and Urban Local Body (ULB) areas, will remain in place for seven days, with the possibility of extension if conditions fail to improve.

The restrictions include a ban on construction activities between 6:00 PM and 10:00 AM, a complete halt on demolition and earthwork, and a prohibition on heavy trucks entering Balasore town and ULB zones.

Open burning of waste, coal usage in roadside eateries, and brick kiln operations without permission have also been strictly forbidden.

To curb road dust, authorities have mandated water sprinkling on all roads at least three times daily. Trucks transporting coal, minerals, and ash must operate outside daytime hours and remain covered with tarpaulins.

Enforcement will be overseen by police, municipalities, ULBs, and the Regional Transport Office, with daily compliance reports submitted to the Collector.

Local residents and environmental activists have welcomed the measures as necessary for public health, though concerns remain about the impact on livelihoods in the construction and transport sectors.

The restrictions highlight growing concerns over air quality in Odisha’s coastal districts, driven by industrial activity, vehicular traffic, and seasonal factors.

Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate and report violations to help restore cleaner air in the region.