Elected representatives in Bhubaneswar are actively sensitizing residents about the mandatory four-stream segregation of solid waste at source, as per the new Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026. These demonstrations are being carried out across areas under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) jointly formulated the new regulations. To ensure compliance, a week-long sensitization and ward-wise demonstration campaign is being conducted from June 8 to 13, according to BMC officials.
Four-Stream Segregation Explained
Under the new rules, every household is expected to sort waste into four categories: wet, dry, sanitary, and special hazardous. BMC Deputy Commissioner (Sanitation) N Ganesh Babu explained that in each ward, elected representatives are visiting lanes, society compounds, and slum clusters to demonstrate proper segregation. Wet waste includes vegetable peels, tea leaves, and leftover food. Dry waste comprises paper, cartons, metal cans, and clean plastic. Sanitary waste, such as used diapers, sanitary pads, and soiled tissues, must be wrapped securely before disposal. Special hazardous waste includes batteries, bulbs, expired medicines, paint tins, and e-waste, which should be stored separately and handed only to authorized collection personnel.
Demonstration and Sensitization Efforts
The BMC launched the campaign on June 8, focusing on educating citizens about the importance and methods of segregation. Volunteers stand beside collection vehicles at fixed hours, guiding hesitant residents. Building entrances display simple segregation charts, and community halls host short sessions on home composting, which can convert wet waste into manure and reduce daily waste output.
General cleanliness drives are held at dawn, with teams scrubbing public corners that have become garbage-prone points. Barricades, signage, and regular monitoring will follow to prevent relapse into neglect, BMC officials stated.
Special Advocacy and Community Involvement
Special advocacy drives target high-footfall areas such as markets, mandis, schools, local summer camps, bus stops, and other strategic sites. These involve residents' welfare associations, NGOs, trained staff for door-to-door messaging, youth volunteer groups, and self-help groups. Throughout the week, the 'swachh aadat' (cleanliness habit) is being promoted as a practical routine, aiming to make segregation feel like a shared civic habit rather than an instruction.
