Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation's Annual Waste Fee Triggers Public Backlash
In a controversial move, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated the collection of an annual 'user fee' for waste generation from residents, drawing sharp criticism from various citizen groups. The civic body's public appeal for payment, aimed at boosting its Swachh Survekshan ranking, has particularly fueled discontent among the populace.
Fee Structure and Collection Methods Under Scrutiny
This fee, distinct from the holding tax, is being levied in a lump sum for the 2025–26 financial year, affecting a wide range of entities from low and middle-income households to major commercial establishments. Residents have voiced concerns over the inflexibility of the payment schedule, advocating for more manageable options such as monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual installments instead of the current annual demand.
Krupasindhu Sahu, founder-president of the Federation of Senior Citizen, Odisha, expressed frustration, stating that it is financially burdensome for many, including the middle class and job holders, to pay the fee all at once. He criticized BMC's rationale, noting that the corporation claims robust collection will enhance its score in the Swachh survey. "It is both ridiculous and distressing that we are pressured to pay the annual user fee upfront for better performance in the Swachh survey," Sahu told TOI.
Detailed Fee Rates and Legal Challenges
BMC's user fee rate chart outlines specific charges: low-income groups with an 800 sq ft built-up area must pay Rs 50 per month, while middle-income groups with 1,200 sq ft are charged Rs 75 monthly. Commercial entities face higher rates, with guesthouses and hotels of 10 rooms paying Rs 500 per month, and those with 20 to 30 rooms charged Rs 1,000 monthly. Residential schools and colleges are levied Rs 3,000 per month.
The BMC's public notice, in Odia, explicitly links fee payment to waste management improvements and Swachh Survekshan scores, reading: "By paying user fee, solid waste under BMC jurisdiction can be streamlined and it can help fetch notable score in the ongoing Swachh Survekshan." This statement has further inflamed public sentiment.
Dilip Dash Sharma, executive member of the Confederation of Citizen Association, Bhubaneswar, highlighted past legal actions, recalling that in 2016, they petitioned the Orissa High Court, which stayed the fee collection in March 2017. "Until 2024, BMC refrained from collecting the user fee due to this stay. Now, with aggressive collection efforts, we plan to approach the High Court again to oppose this move, particularly the imposition on residential households," he explained to TOI.
Official Response and Future Implications
In response to the backlash, Kailash Chandra Dash, BMC additional commissioner, clarified that while commercial establishments are required to pay annually, other categories may opt for quarterly payments. He cited logistical challenges, stating, "Following up monthly collection is a bit difficult," suggesting a preference for less frequent collection cycles to streamline operations.
This fee initiative underscores broader issues in urban waste management and public finance, with residents calling for more equitable and flexible payment systems to avoid undue hardship.
