Argus News - No Plastic, Go Green: ‘Historic Baliyatra Cuttack 2025’ Guidelines Issued for Stall Owners, Vendors

Cuttack, Nov 1: The historic Baliyatra — ‘Historic Baliyatra Cuttack 2025’ — is back with a vibrant spread of culinary delights and a renewed commitment to environmental sustainability. The historic event will commence on November 5, and it will conclude on November 12.

From classic Odia favourites like dahi bara and machha ambila to trendy fast food and fusion treats, over 1600 stalls — most of them food vendors — are set to serve lakhs of visitors during the festival.

The Cuttack District Administration has taken a bold step to ensure that the festivities remain eco-conscious, issued strict guidelines for the stall owners and vendors.

Use of Eco-Friendly Materials instead of Polythene

In compliance with Orissa High Court directives, single-use plastics have been strictly banned across the Baliyatra grounds. Vendors are prohibited from using polythene bags, plastic cups, plates, spoons, straws, and thermocol-based items. Instead, they are directed to adopt alternatives such as biodegradable, paper, or areca leaf-based cups, plates, and containers.

Also read: Historic Cuttack Baliyatra 2025 To Be Held On Upper Ground Area As Well

Use of Dustbin

Each stall is mandated to maintain cleanliness by placing two separate dustbins — one for wet waste and another for dry waste. These bins will be regularly emptied at designated collection centres to prevent littering and ensure proper waste management.

Clean Stall Surroundings

Stall owners and participating organizations have been instructed to keep their surroundings clean, and litter-free throughout the event. Failure to comply may result in license cancellation or fines under municipal and pollution control regulations.

Affidavit Submission

Stall owners are instructed to submit a signed affidavit/declaration agreeing to comply with the mentioned environmental norms.

Failure to comply with the guidelines may result in license cancellation or imposition of penalty as per environmental and municipal regulations.

The administration has also issued guidelines to limit noise pollution. Cultural programmes will be allowed only until 11 PM, after which microphones must be turned off. This rule applies to all stages, including the iconic Baishnaba Pani Mancha and Akshaya Mohanty Mancha, and will be enforced from November 5 to 13.

With these measures in place, the ‘Historic Baliyatra Cuttack 2025’ aims to be not just a celebration of heritage and flavour, but also a model of sustainability. Visitors can indulge in delicious food while contributing to a cleaner and greener Odisha.

Let’s make this year’s Baliyatra a clean, green, and eco-friendly celebration of Odisha’s glorious heritage.