Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a major decision to cancel the licenses of vendors found selling gutkha within its jurisdiction. The decision was approved at the BMC Corporation meeting held on Tuesday. Strict action will be taken against vending zones as well as OMFED and OPOLFED outlets if they violate the ban.

Following the State Government’s ban on gutkha, enforcement drives have already begun across Odisha. In line with this, enforcement will be intensified in the capital city, and the sale of gutkha will be completely prohibited in the BMC area. Authorities have also decided to remove all gutkha-related hoardings. The Mayor stated that government regulations will be strictly enforced across all shops.

During the meeting, a draft budget proposal of ₹1,050 crore was presented before the Corporation. To strengthen its financial position, BMC has set a revenue collection target of ₹300 crore for the current financial year.

Mayor Sulochana Das stressed the importance of increasing BMC’s revenue, noting that grants from the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions depend on the Corporation’s revenue growth. She directed officials to ensure strict compliance with rules to enhance income.

The Corporation also decided that the government will no longer pay rent for Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWC) operating from rented premises. These centres will be shifted to government or self-owned buildings. However, it was clarified that no UHWC under BMC will be shut down.

Additionally, work on a modern fish market near Pandara has already commenced. Officials have been instructed to complete the ISKCON and Rasulgarh drainage projects before the onset of the monsoon. Desilting of major drains and drains in lanes and by-lanes has also been directed to be completed before the rainy season.

Renovation of the Chandrasekharpur Kalyan Mandap will begin immediately. The House also discussed rehabilitating people affected by the Unit-1 Hatapodi area within 30 days.