Bhubaneswar, September 29: As Durga Puja 2025 celebrations unfold in the city, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is rolling out a set of guidelines designed to ensure public safety, cleanliness, and an environmentally-friendly approach during the festivities.
In line with its green initiative, the BMC has imposed a ban on single-use plastics. Devotees and organizers are encouraged to opt for biodegradable alternatives, such as paper bags, clay bowls, bamboo containers, and leaf-based utensils for offerings (prasad) and other related items.
Puja committees have been advised to keep their pandals clean, set up sufficient waste disposal bins, and manage waste effectively by separating wet and dry waste. All waste should be handed over to BMC sanitation teams, while flower waste must be deposited in designated collection vehicles.
For safety, the BMC has mandated that temporary pandals be built to withstand crowd pressure, ensuring structural stability. Organizers are also required to follow all electrical safety regulations and consult with the relevant departments to avoid any electrical mishaps.
Cleanliness must be maintained throughout prasad distribution, and organizers must arrange separate parking to alleviate traffic congestion. Sufficient security personnel must be deployed at each pandal for crowd management and general safety.
The BMC has also emphasized strict adherence to fire safety protocols and preventive measures as specified by the concerned authorities. Immersion of idols will take place only in temporary ponds specifically created by the civic body.
The BMC urges all puja organizers and devotees to collaborate in making this year’s Durga Puja celebrations safe, eco-friendly, and well-organized.
Tags: DUrga Puja event
