Diwali: BMC to ensure adherence to SC guidelines on environment pollution in Bhubaneswar

A joint enforcement team has been formed by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure adherence to the Supreme Court’s guidelines to make this Diwali environment friendly.

The enforcement team will have officers from BMC, Commissionerate Police and Pollution Board.

A preparatory meeting in this connection was held at the BMC office on Thursday evening in Bhubaneswar.

The firecracker sellers have been advised to make all the safety arrangements including keeping sufficient water, buckets and fire extinguishers at their stalls.

Informing about the decisions taken in the meeting, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das said, “We will take all steps to ensure this Diwali clean and green. We will make sure the Supreme Court’s order on keeping the environment pollution-free is adhered to.”

“We have identified several non-residential areas in Bhubaneswar and provided stalls to fire cracker sellers to make their business this Diwali,” she added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the BMC has already launched Swachh Diwali Subh Diwali campaign to keep Bhubaneswar clean. It aims to create awareness and inspire individuals to choose locally made products, eliminate single-use plastic, and prioritize cleanliness before and after the Diwali festivities.

The BMC encouraged the citizens to engage in cleaning and misting activities before and after Diwali, ensuring a fresh and hygienic environment.

Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday (Nov 12) across India and beyond.