Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) marked Local Self-Governance Day with a series of key launches, showcasing the City’s progress in sustainability, waste management and digital governance.
A total of 27 projects were inaugurated by BMC, including three inaugurated by the Chief Minister, the most notable being Odisha’s first Mega Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Palasuni.
With a capacity of 150 TPD, the semi-automatic plant will strengthen dry waste management and supplement the 22 decentralised MRFs already functional in the City.
The Palasuni MRF, built at a cost of Rs 10.93 crore, is equipped with conveyor belts, trommels, magnetic separators and air blowers to ensure efficient recovery of recyclables.
Funded through the Swachh Bharat Mission and BMC’s own resources, the facility also generates high-quality Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and employs 50 people from marginalised communities through self-help groups (SHGs).
Another milestone was the launch of a 10 TPD Plasma Processor for Domestic Hazardous Waste (DHW) at the Sainik School TTS site.
Currently in its trial phase, the Rs 5.89 crore facility employs plasma arc technology to safely treat waste such as batteries, chemicals and sanitary items.
The project is funded through CSR contributions and government grants. To enhance public access to civic services, BMC also launched a WhatsApp-based AI chatbot.
Mayor Sulochana Das and Commissioner Chanchal Rana inaugurated several other key projects.
On the occasion, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krusha Chandra Mahapatra announced that a new Bhubaneswar City would be developed on 800 acres of land.
PNN
