Bali Jatra: Cuttack Administration Orders 10 Lakh Sal Leaf Plates to Curb Plastic Waste

Bhubaneswar: Food vendors at this year’s Bali Jatra in Cuttack will be encouraged to use biodegradable sal leaf plates instead of single-use plastic, with the district administration ordering around 10 lakh plates ahead of the annual fair.

To ensure adequate supplies, the Cuttack district administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ORMAS, Mayurbhanj, for the production and supply of sal leaf plates and other biodegradable food-serving materials. The initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and improve cleanliness at the historic fair.

As part of the arrangement, the administration will provide land free of cost for two dedicated stalls, one at the Upper Ground and another at the Lower Ground. Food stall operators will be able to procure sal leaf plates at affordable rates from these outlets.

The large-scale procurement is intended to make eco-friendly alternatives readily available to vendors and encourage their wider use throughout the event.

Alongside the supply of biodegradable materials, the administration has tightened restrictions on plastic bags at the fair. The Collector has directed the district administration and civic body to carry out regular inspections during both daytime and nighttime to ensure the restrictions are followed.

Violators will face fines, while serious violations could result in the cancellation of stall plot allotments. The enforcement measures are aimed at preventing the use of prohibited plastic products and ensuring compliance among vendors.

Bali Jatra attracts large crowds and hosts numerous food stalls, making waste management a key concern during the event. The partnership between the district administration and ORMAS seeks to address this challenge by combining the availability of sustainable alternatives with stricter monitoring.

The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on single-use plastics and support efforts to make Bali Jatra a cleaner and more environmentally responsible public event.