Bhubaneswar, Jan 16: In a bid to safeguard public health, environmental sanitation, and aviation safety, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a public notice regarding the disposal of fish, meat, and poultry waste by vendors and slaughter units operating within its jurisdiction. The notice mandates that all such establishments comply with specific waste management guidelines to avoid health hazards and ensure safe working conditions for sanitation workers.
The BMC has stressed that improper handling and disposal of non-vegetarian waste in various commercial establishments in Bhubaneswar is causing foul odours, insanitary conditions, and attracting large numbers of birds, which pose a significant risk to aviation safety at Biju Patnaik International Airport. In light of this, the civic body has instructed all fish, meat, and poultry shops/vendors/slaughter units to adopt sustainable practices and use biodegradable materials to store waste before handing it over to BMC for disposal.
Key guidelines for waste management:
Biodegradable Storage Materials:
All non-vegetarian waste must be stored exclusively in biodegradable garbage bags with a minimum thickness of 120 microns. Only medium and large-sized bags are allowed, while the use of thin plastic or non-biodegradable materials for waste storage or disposal is strictly prohibited.
Proper Waste Bins:
Establishments must provide large-size, leak-proof bins with tight-fitting lids for the hygienic storage of waste within their premises. Open containers, baskets, or uncovered bins are not permitted.
Strict Disposal Guidelines:
Waste must not be disposed of in public areas such as roads, drains, open spaces, or water bodies. Non-vegetarian waste should only be handed over to authorized BMC Safai Gadi (waste collection vehicles) for scientific disposal. Exposing waste to the open or storing it beyond the scheduled collection time is prohibited.
Enforcement and Compliance:
The BMC has set a deadline of February 1, 2026, for full compliance with these guidelines. After this date, strict enforcement actions will be taken against defaulters, including the suspension or cancellation of trade licenses, sealing of establishments, and legal actions under relevant waste management and aviation safety regulations.
Monitoring and Publicity:
The BMC’s Zonal Commissioners, Health Officers, Sanitary Inspectors, and Enforcement Teams will oversee strict monitoring and ensure proper implementation, particularly in markets such as Unit-I, Unit-IV, and other non-vegetarian market areas. The civic body also emphasized the importance of publicizing the guidelines at the market level to ensure compliance.
By enforcing these measures, the BMC aims to enhance sanitation, protect the environment, and ensure the safety of both sanitation workers and the public, while also reducing the risk of bird strikes that could affect aviation safety.
