The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged oil marketing companies and the Odisha government to exempt it from the Centre’s fuel rationing guidelines, warning that restrictions on diesel supply could seriously affect sanitation, waste collection and other essential civic services in Bhubaneswar.
The civic body has raised concerns over the fuel cap of 200 litres per day imposed under austerity measures, stating that its daily diesel requirement is nearly 2,000 litres. Officials fear that the restriction could significantly reduce operational capacity and hamper critical municipal functions across the city.
Waste Management Operations at Risk
In a letter addressed to the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, BMC highlighted that fuel shortages could adversely impact the ongoing bio-mining project at Bhuasuni, where legacy waste is being scientifically processed using heavy machinery.
According to officials, the agency executing the project requires nearly 3,000 litres of diesel every week to operate excavators, loaders and other equipment. However, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has reportedly indicated that it may not be able to supply fuel beyond the prescribed limit, raising concerns over possible disruptions.
BMC noted that the Bhuasuni facility is a key operational centre supporting waste management activities and emergency municipal services, making uninterrupted fuel supply essential.
City Generates 800 Metric Tonnes of Waste Daily
The corporation manages approximately 800 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste every day. Diesel-powered vehicles play a crucial role in door-to-door garbage collection, transportation of waste to processing facilities and maintenance of city sanitation services.
Officials warned that any interruption in fuel availability could directly affect waste collection schedules, transportation operations and overall cleanliness across the capital city.
Fuel Bill Touches ₹2 Lakh Per Day
BMC Additional Commissioner Kailash Chandra Dash, who oversees the corporation’s vehicle fleet, said the civic body has already approached three oil companies regarding the issue.
According to Dash, two companies have expressed their inability to supply fuel beyond the stipulated limit, although fuel supply has not yet been discontinued.
He stated that BMC spends nearly ₹2 lakh every day on fuel for its extensive fleet, which includes:
- Waste collection vehicles
- Mechanised road sweeping machines
- Light commercial vehicles
- Heavy-duty sanitation equipment
- Emergency service vehicles
Appeal for Government Intervention
BMC has sought the intervention of the Odisha government to ensure that fuel supply for essential public services remains unaffected.
Officials stressed that sanitation and waste management are critical services linked to public health and urban cleanliness. Any disruption in fuel supply could affect waste collection, transportation and city-wide sanitation operations.
The civic body remains hopeful that a special exemption will be granted, allowing municipal services to continue without interruption despite the ongoing fuel conservation measures.
