Home / Environment / Rath Yatra Floods Bhubaneswar With Plastic Waste
Rath Yatra Floods Bhubaneswar With Plastic Waste
17 Jul
Summary
- Nearly six tonnes of extra plastic waste cleared post-Rath Yatra.
- Disposable items like cups and food packets formed the bulk.
- BMC to explore stricter measures against plastic use in festivals.
Bhubaneswar faced a substantial increase in plastic waste after this year's Rath Yatra. Sanitation teams collected approximately six tonnes of additional disposable plastic items, primarily cups, food packets, and water pouches, left behind by the lakhs of devotees. This waste largely originated from prasad distribution near the chariots, where single-use plastic containers were prevalent.
The collected plastic waste was transported to material recovery facilities for crushing and subsequent recycling. Officials emphasized the swift clearance to prevent drain blockages and maintain urban hygiene. This event has re-ignited concerns about single-use plastics at public gatherings, as festivals continue to generate significant non-biodegradable waste.
Daily municipal solid waste in Bhubaneswar comprises around 240 tonnes of plastic. While enforcement targets wholesale suppliers and small traders, manufacturers have yet to face scrutiny. The civic body plans to explore stricter measures for future festivals, including promoting biodegradable alternatives for prasad distribution.
