Bhubaneswar, 5/1 : In a significant move towards strengthening its solid waste management system, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the implementation of a monthly user fee for garbage collection from households and commercial establishments across the city. The decision, which came into effect today, January 5, 2026, aims to enhance cleanliness initiatives and ensure sustainable waste management services.
The new user fee structure mandates residents, businesses, and government offices within the BMC limits to pay for door-to-door waste pickup, segregation at source, and transportation of garbage. Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das highlighted that this initiative is expected to generate an annual revenue of approximately Rs 10 crore, crucial for funding comprehensive waste handling and improving the city’s ranking in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan 2025-26.
Under the revised fee structure, economically weaker section (EWS) and low-income group (LIG) homes measuring up to 800 square feet will be charged Rs 50 per month. Middle-income group (MIG) residences with an area between 800 and 1,200 square feet will pay Rs 75 monthly. For larger homes, hotels, shopping malls, cafes, markets, educational institutions, and various other commercial and institutional establishments, the fees will vary based on property size and the volume of waste generated.
This move by the BMC is based on the 2018 bylaws and follows the successful resolution of a related court case in the High Court, which had previously delayed the collection of such fees. Earlier attempts to levy user charges in 2015 had faced legal challenges and public discontent.
Citizens can access detailed information regarding the user fee structure and payment procedures through the ‘SAFA App’ or by contacting the dedicated WhatsApp helpline at 7653011832. Mayor Das appealed to the residents to actively participate in these efforts, emphasizing that a clean environment and clean air are essential for healthy living, aligning with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) guidelines. The BMC has also trained “Swachh Saathis” (cleanliness volunteers) to assist in the implementation of this new system.
This initiative marks a renewed commitment by the civic body to improve urban sanitation and aligns Bhubaneswar with waste management practices adopted by other major Indian cities.
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