Converting Ganesh Puja floral waste into incense sticks: BMC issues helpline number to avail facility

This year’s Ganesh Puja in the state capital is witnessing a strong shift towards sustainability, as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has rolled out a floral waste recycling initiative while community groups experiment with innovative eco-friendly decorations.

To address the recurring problem of discarded puja materials littering roadsides, riverbanks, and open spaces, the BMC has launched a special drive to collect flowers, garlands, and leaves from puja mandaps.

According to reports, the BMC has partnered with three NGOs, one for each civic zone, where it will deploy dedicated vehicles to pick up only floral waste, which will then be sent to a Pokhariput facility for processing into incense sticks.

Senior officials will oversee the collection process to ensure compliance. In addition, sanitary staff and NGO representatives have been instructed to conduct awareness campaigns at mandaps, encouraging organisers to use the service instead of dumping materials indiscriminately.

A dedicated helpline (1929) has been opened for puja committees to request the facility. If successful, the initiative will be extended to Durga Puja festivities later this year.

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Plastic Bottles Become a Puja Gate Attraction

In another green gesture, Bhubaneswar’s Passion Club in MLA Colony has crafted an eye-catching puja gate using 10,000 to 12,000 plastic water bottles.

The innovative structure, built to mark the club’s 20th year of celebrations, has become a major draw for visitors. Organisers said the installation reflects their effort to promote the message of recycling and reducing single-use plastics.

Together, the BMC’s recycling plan and citizen-led creativity highlight a growing awareness of environmental concerns during large-scale religious celebrations.