GLOBIVOX

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to introduce a user fee for door-to-door waste collection across the city as part of its efforts to strengthen solid waste management and ensure cleaner neighbourhoods. The decision is aimed at improving service efficiency, maintaining hygiene standards, and ensuring sustainable funding for sanitation operations.

According to officials, the proposed fee will apply to households, commercial establishments, and institutions, with rates expected to vary based on the category and volume of waste generated. The civic body stated that the revenue collected will be utilised for upgrading waste collection infrastructure, ensuring regular doorstep services, and supporting segregation and recycling initiatives.

BMC authorities highlighted that rising operational costs, including manpower, fuel, and maintenance of vehicles, have made it necessary to introduce a user charge. The move is also aligned with national guidelines on urban solid waste management, which encourage local bodies to recover service costs while promoting accountability among residents.

The civic body plans to roll out awareness campaigns before implementing the fee to educate citizens on waste segregation and the benefits of a structured waste management system. Officials assured that measures will be taken to keep the charges affordable and that concessions may be considered for economically weaker sections.

While the proposal has sparked mixed reactions among residents, BMC officials believe the user fee will lead to improved sanitation services and a cleaner city in the long run. Further details regarding the fee structure and implementation timeline are expected to be announced soon.

Civic officials said the user fee system is expected to bring greater transparency and accountability to Bhubaneswar’s waste collection services. By linking service delivery with nominal charges, the BMC aims to ensure regular monitoring of collection routes and improve response time to public complaints.

Sources in the municipal corporation indicated that digital payment options may be introduced to make fee collection convenient for residents. The BMC is also considering integrating the system with its existing grievance redressal platforms so citizens can report missed collections or sanitation issues more efficiently.

Environmental experts have welcomed the move, stating that user fees often encourage households to reduce waste generation and adopt segregation at source. Proper segregation, they noted, can significantly cut down landfill pressure and improve recycling outcomes.

However, some resident welfare associations have urged the civic body to clearly communicate the fee structure and ensure service quality before implementation. They stressed that timely collection, cleanliness of public spaces, and regular monitoring would be key to gaining public trust.

The BMC has assured that stakeholder consultations will be held prior to rollout and that feedback from residents and businesses will be taken into account. The civic body reiterated that the long-term objective is to create a sustainable, citizen-participative waste management system for the city.