Bhubaneswar's Local Self-Governance Day: A Leap Towards Sustainable Urban Development

Celebrating Local Self-Governance Day

In Bhubaneswar, the Municipal Corporation celebrated Local Self-Governance Day by unveiling a range of significant initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability, waste management, and digital governance.

The BMC inaugurated 27 projects, with three of them being launched by the Chief Minister. A highlight of the event was the introduction of Odisha's inaugural Mega Material Recovery Facility (MRF) located in Palasuni.

This semi-automatic facility, capable of processing 150 tons per day (TPD), aims to bolster dry waste management efforts and complements the existing 22 decentralized MRFs in the city.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 10.93 crore, the Palasuni MRF features advanced equipment such as conveyor belts, trommels, magnetic separators, and air blowers to optimize the recovery of recyclable materials.

Financed through the Swachh Bharat Mission and the BMC's own funds, this facility also produces high-quality Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and provides employment to 50 individuals from marginalized communities via self-help groups (SHGs).

Additionally, a 10 TPD Plasma Processor for Domestic Hazardous Waste (DHW) was launched at the Sainik School TTS site, currently undergoing trial operations.

This Rs 5.89 crore facility utilizes plasma arc technology to safely process hazardous waste, including batteries, chemicals, and sanitary products.

The project is supported by CSR funding and government grants. To improve public access to civic services, BMC has also introduced a WhatsApp-based AI chatbot.

Mayor Sulochana Das and Commissioner Chanchal Rana were present to inaugurate several other important projects.

During the event, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krusha Chandra Mahapatra revealed plans for the development of a new Bhubaneswar City on an expansive 800 acres.