The CMC, in a notification, requested the shop-keepers and vendors to ensure a plastic-free Bali Jatra this year. “All shop-keepers and vendors should keep two dustbins each for dry and wet waste. The recyclable waste materials can be deposited at the designated plastic collection centres of the CMC,” the notification said.

The municipal body said the entire venue of Bali Jatra comprising the upper and lower grounds on Mahandi river banks has been declared as plastic and non-biodegradable waste controlled area.

The CMC has asked the vendors to deposit PET beverage (water, juice, flavoured milk and cold drinks) containers, HDPE (plastic caps, thick plastic bottles and shampoo bottles), LDPE (frozen food wrapping, condiments), PP (Tupperware, kitchenware) and tin cans at the designated centres.

As incentives, the CMC said anyone depositing the recyclable items in bulk at the designate centres will be paid Rs 25 per kg of PET, Rs 17 per kg of HDPE, Rs 15 per kg of LDPE, Rs 3 per kg of PP and Rs 8 per kg of tin.

The Bali Jatra, which will kick off on November 27 and continue till December 4, 2024, will have a new attraction of a Sea Tunnel Aquarium with 360 degree views of exotic marine life and an art exhibition in ‘Cuttack-In-Cuttack’ pavilion.