Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb rising air pollution in the capital city, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to seal hotels, dhabas, kalyan mandaps and picnic spots using charcoal or wood-fired chullahs, identifying them as a major source of particulate pollution.
Despite a
marginal improvement in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping
to 266 on January 5, 2026, the BMC noted that chullahs used for cooking
and baking rotis emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause serious
pulmonary complications.
According
to a BMC advisory, strict action will be taken against establishments using
charcoal or wood as fuel, except religious institutions where such practices
are part of tradition.
“The
sealing of cooking areas in these establishments will be carried out with
immediate effect,” the advisory stated.
The civic
body has also directed the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), which
operates Ama Bus services, to regularly deploy water sprinklers at bus depots.
Officials
said the frequent movement of buses leads to dust being suspended in the air
for extended periods, causing breathing discomfort for residents in nearby
areas.
Additionally,
block education officers have been instructed to ensure the use of clean fuel
for the preparation of mid-day meals in schools. Picnic spots will be inspected
to prevent the use of wood as fuel by visitors.
The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has also been asked to improve road conditions under its jurisdiction and take measures to reduce dust generation, said BMC Deputy Commissioner N. Ganesh Babu.