Bhubaneswar: The smart city Bhubaneswar will appear as 'plastic free' city very soon as the State government's plastic ban order will be strictly followed especially in BDA parks and market complexes from today.

To gear up the initiative, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) decided to ban the use of plastic at its main office from today to mark its 36th Foundation Day.

The authorities asked its employees to bring their lunch in metal containers and carry cloth or paper bags on premises of the office.

The plastic bottles will be replaced by the paper or cloth folders during meetings at the office.

Similarly, the denizens will be fined for using plastic inside parks and market complexes from today. The morning walkers association and park goers association have been urged to follow the plastic ban order. The fine amount collected from people for violating the norms, will be used for development of parks.

With help of the NGOs, the BDA will organise ‘Information, Education and Communication’ (IEC) activities to create awareness among people on plastic hazards and its impact on the environment.

The planning officials of BDA will take care of the things that the plastic will not be used in the buildings getting plan approval.

Last month, BDA had decided to ban plastic at its office building, parks and market complexes from September 1.

Notably, the State government has announced to ban plastic and polythene from October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.