BMC Urges Citizens to Avoid Plastic Bags for Prasad During Dussehra

As the festive fervour of Dussehra sweeps across Bhubaneswar, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a heartfelt appeal to citizens: avoid using plastic carry bags for prasad (bhog) during Durga Puja celebrations.

In a bid to curb the surge in single-use plastic and manage the city’s mounting waste, BMC is launching an awareness campaign across major puja mandaps, including Baramunda, Nayapalli, Sahid Nagar, Rasulgarh, Jharapada, and Damana.

These kiosks will distribute leaflets, promote proper waste disposal, and discourage dumping near mandaps.

During the festive season, Bhubaneswar sees a spike of nearly 200 metric tons of additional waste daily—much of it plastic. With the city already managing around 800 metric tons of waste per day, the added burden poses a significant challenge.

To tackle this, BMC will deploy teams of volunteers to educate the public on responsible waste practices. Senior officials and zonal deputy commissioners will oversee the initiative, ensuring smooth execution.

In a further step toward sustainability, puja committees will be trained to immerse idols in artificial ponds near traditional water bodies, minimizing environmental damage.

BMC’s campaign blends tradition with eco-consciousness, urging citizens to celebrate responsibly and keep Bhubaneswar clean.