Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at strengthening sanitation services and improving solid waste management efficiency, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to levy user fees for door-to-door waste collection across the city, covering both residential and commercial establishments, official sources said on Monday.
The decision is part of BMC’s broader effort to enhance service delivery, transparency, and accountability in urban sanitation, ensuring comprehensive waste collection from every household and business unit in the state capital.
Coverage and Applicability
The newly introduced user fee regime will apply to a wide range of establishments, including:
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Residential houses
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Shops and markets
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Hotels, restaurants, cafés, and dhabas
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Shopping malls and commercial complexes
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Educational institutions
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Liquor shops
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Cloud kitchens and warehouses
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Guest houses and hostels
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Roadside vendors and other commercial units
Officials said the fee structure has been designed to reflect the nature and volume of waste generated by different categories of users.
Legal Framework and Fee Structure
The user fees will be levied in accordance with the Municipal By-laws, 2018. Separate rates have been fixed for residential households, commercial establishments, hotels, and institutional entities, ensuring a differentiated and equitable approach.
Civic authorities emphasised that the charges are intended to support the operational costs of waste collection, transportation, and processing, while also encouraging responsible waste disposal practices.
Transparency and Citizen Support
To facilitate easy access to information and promote transparency, residents can view all relevant details related to the user fee through the SAFA mobile application. Additionally, the BMC has set up a dedicated WhatsApp helpline (7653011832) for citizens to seek clarifications and raise queries related to the initiative.
Improving Urban Cleanliness
Officials said the introduction of user fees is expected to significantly strengthen Bhubaneswar’s solid waste management system, improve cleanliness levels, and contribute to better urban living standards.
Civic authorities expressed confidence that the move would ensure sustainable sanitation services, reduce service gaps, and help maintain Bhubaneswar’s standing as one of the cleaner cities in the country.
-OdishaAge
