Bhubaneswar, March 17: In a major step towards curbing plastic use, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated measures to transform Damana and VSS Nagar markets into single-use plastic-free zones within the next 15 days.

The move comes after Maa Kochilei Haat at Rasulgarh was declared a completely plastic-free market, encouraging other market committees to follow suit. Representatives of Damana and VSS Nagar market committees have expressed interest in adopting the same model.

In this regard, presidents and secretaries of the concerned market committees held discussions with BMC officials, including Additional Commissioner Kailash Chandra Das, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mallik, and Deputy Commissioner N. Ganesh Babu.

According to officials, the transition will be carried out in phases. During the first week, traders will be sensitized through voluntary organisations about avoiding single-use plastic. In the second week, enforcement measures will be taken against those found violating the norms.

BMC teams, along with associated organisations, will conduct regular inspections and provide necessary support to ensure compliance. Market committees will also play a key role in encouraging traders to adhere to the ban and sustain the plastic-free initiative.