(OT Webdesk)In a renewed push for sustainability, the Odisha government has issued fresh directives banning single-use plastics across all government offices, meetings, and workshops.
The Forest and Environment Department, led by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, has mandated the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as steel, copper, bamboo, paper, and jute containers.
The directive prohibits plastic-lined flower bouquets, gift items, food packets, and disposable cutlery. Officials have been instructed to ensure immediate compliance, referencing earlier orders from 2019 and 2022.
Despite previous crackdowns, enforcement remains inconsistent, with plastic use still rampant in urban areas.
Environmentalists have welcomed the move but stress the need for stricter monitoring and public awareness to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
The new rules also require food and beverages—including tea—to be served in metal containers, and polythene bags are to be replaced with biodegradable or cloth-based options.
As Odisha renews its commitment to sustainable governance, the success of this initiative will depend on robust implementation and citizen participation.
