₹5,000 Spot Fine for Open Burning as BMC Cracks Down on Air Pollution

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb rising air pollution levels, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a ₹5,000 on-the-spot fine for violators indulging in open burning across the city. The move is part of stricter enforcement measures under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

The decision was taken at a recent Air Quality Management meeting for Bhubaneswar city, chaired by the BMC Commissioner. Following the meeting, detailed directions have been issued to all Zonal Commissioners to ensure rigorous implementation of pollution control measures in their respective jurisdictions.

As part of the crackdown, officials have been instructed to identify individuals and establishments involved in open burning of waste or other materials and impose an immediate fine of ₹5,000 for each violation. Commercial establishments flouting the norms may also face closure. All shops and businesses have been directed to shift to clean sources of cooking fuel.

The civic body has also decided to take strict action against hotels and roadside eateries using coal-based or wood-fired chullahs. Such establishments may face closure if found violating the norms. The enforcement drive will initially be launched in the Lingaraj Temple area and subsequently extended to other parts of the city.

To control dust pollution, the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has been directed to ensure regular water sprinkling at bus depots and bus stands. Daily cleaning and washing of buses has also been made mandatory, with Zonal Commissioners tasked with monitoring compliance.

In schools, cooking under the Mid-Day Meal Programme must be carried out strictly using clean fuel. Zonal authorities have been asked to enforce this directive without exception.

Additionally, Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants operating in the city have been instructed to adhere strictly to State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) guidelines. These include adopting air pollution control measures such as water sprinkling and washing of vehicles to minimise dust emissions.

BMC officials said the intensified measures are aimed at addressing the city’s deteriorating air quality and safeguarding public health, with a strong focus on strict enforcement at the zonal level.