The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a decisive step towards strengthening its sanitation infrastructure. On Monday, the civic body announced the implementation of a user fee system for various categories of waste generators across the city. This move aims to ensure a sustainable and robust cleanliness mechanism for the Odisha capital.
Who Needs to Pay the New Waste Collection Fee?
The new user fee will be applicable to a wide range of entities within BMC's jurisdiction. Permanent residents, business outlets, commercial establishments, educational institutions, and other organizations will all be required to contribute. The responsibility for collecting these fees has been entrusted to the Swachh Sathis, who operate at the ward level.
BMC Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo confirmed the development, stating that the cleanliness partners have already undergone specific training for this new task. The initiative is seen as crucial for funding the door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, and transportation services that the corporation provides.
Appeal from Civic Leadership and Citizen Guidelines
Mayor Sulochana Das made a fervent appeal to all residents and stakeholders to support this initiative. She emphasized that paying the user fee is a collective step towards making Bhubaneswar a top-ranking city in terms of cleanliness and hygiene. "We appeal to the residents to take the initiative and come forward to pay the fee," Mayor Das said, highlighting the array of activities the fee supports.
Alongside the fee announcement, the BMC issued clear guidelines for citizens. Officials stressed that people should only transfer their waste to designated BMC vehicles and must practice segregation at source. Wet, dry, and hazardous waste should be kept separately. The civic body also strictly warned against indiscriminate littering and the burning of waste, a common practice that contributes significantly to air pollution.
How to Get More Information
For citizens seeking more details or clarification, the BMC has pointed to dedicated digital channels. Information can be accessed through the official 'Safa App' or by contacting the BMC's dedicated WhatsApp number at 7653011832. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline communication and ensure transparency in the new waste management process.
The introduction of the user fee marks a significant shift in Bhubaneswar's urban governance model, moving towards a more participatory system where citizens directly contribute to the maintenance of civic amenities. The success of this scheme hinges on public cooperation and the efficient execution by Swachh Sathis across the city's wards.
