312 cloth bags for Rs 10,000 fine! BMC’s two-pronged strategy to make Bhubaneswar polythene-free

In a bid to curb plastic pollution and move towards a polythene-free Bhubaneswar, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced an innovative approach that not only penalises violators of the single-use plastic ban but also empowers them to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.

This two-pronged strategy, combining enforcement with incentivisation, marks a shift from punitive to participatory environmental governance.

A Penalty That Gives Back

According to a report by The Times of India, rather than simply collecting fines for violations of the single-use plastic ban, BMC has launched a unique model where vendors, who are fined for using or selling polythene carry bags, receive cotton cloth bags equal in value to the penalty imposed. 

For instance, if a vendor is fined Rs 10,000, he/she will be provided with 312 cloth bags by the BMC, each worth approximately Rs 36.

The reports also stated that these bags would be sourced from empanelled vendors and carry BMC branding, promoting both compliance and sustainability.

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The aim is not just to penalise but provide a tangible and immediate solution to vendors, enabling them to stop using polythene altogether. The one-time distribution will be documented, and vendors will be required to sign a declaration acknowledging the benefit.

BMC's Own Fuel Station and Garage

In a complementary move to boost operational efficiency and reduce logistical costs, the BMC is also planning to set up its own fuel station and garage near the Temporary Transit Station (TTS).

The initiative is expected to streamline the management of over 500 municipal vehicles and machinery, which currently rely on external fuel suppliers and private garages.

By internalising its fuel supply, the BMC hopes to reduce procurement delays, cut expenses, and gain greater control over its fleet operations. Moreover, if the fuel station is opened to public use under a commercial model, it could also become a revenue-generating asset for the corporation.

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Together, these initiatives show that Bhubaneswar is charting a new path toward becoming one of India’s cleanest and most efficiently managed cities.