BMC directs fish, meat & poultry vendors to adopt strict waste management practices

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) directed all fish, meat, and poultry vendors in the city to adopt strict waste management practices by Feb 1, 2026, to safeguard public health and prevent bird-hit risks at Biju Patnaik International Airport.The civic body observed that improper disposal of non-vegetarian waste in several markets created foul odour, unhygienic conditions, and attracted large flocks of birds, posing a serious hazard to aircraft operations.“Such practices pose a serious risk of bird-hit incidents to aircraft operations at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, and are also detrimental to safe and hygienic working conditions for our sanitation workers,” the BMC order read.Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and DGCA guidelines, vendors must store waste only in biodegradable bags of at least 120 microns and use leak-proof bins with tight lids.Open containers and thin plastic bags are banned. Disposal of waste on roads, in drains, in open spaces, or in water bodies is strictly prohibited, and all waste must be handed over to authorised BMC vehicles for scientific disposal.“Every establishment shall mandatorily provide large-size, leak-proof bins with tight-fitting lids or covers for hygienic storage of waste on shop premises. Open containers, baskets, or uncovered bins shall not be used,” the order reads.It states that all concerned establishments shall comply with the above directions by Feb 1, 2026, beyond which strict enforcement action shall be initiated against defaulters, including suspension or cancellation of trade licences, sealing of establishments, and initiation of legal action.“The zonal commissioners, health officers, sanitary inspectors, and enforcement teams of BMC shall ensure strict monitoring, wide publicity at market level, and proper enforcement of the order, with special focus on Unit -1, Unit-4, and other non-vegetarian markets,” the order concludes.Market vendors expressed mixed reactions. “We understand the need for cleanliness and safety, but the cost of biodegradable bags and bins is high. We hope the govt supports us,” said Ramesh Sahu, a meat shop owner at Unit -4 Market.