Baripada, 7/1 : In a decisive move to combat escalating air pollution, the Mayurbhanj district administration has implemented a series of stringent measures across Baripada, following a concerning surge in its Air Quality Index (AQI)| This intervention comes as Baripada, a town previously known for its proximity to the lush Similipal Biosphere Reserve and minimal industrial activity, found itself listed among India’s most polluted urban centres, alongside Balasore and Talcher in recent weeks| The alarming deterioration in air quality, with AQI levels frequently surpassing the 300-mark over the past fortnight, has prompted immediate action from local authorities to safeguard public health|
Mayurbhanj Collector Hema Kanta Say, on January 6, 2026, invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to enforce prohibitory and regulatory measures throughout the town, effective immediately and for the next seven days| The comprehensive guidelines aim to curb particulate matter and mitigate the severe health risks associated with poor air quality|
Key directives issued by the Mayurbhanj District administration include mandatory pollution-prevention measures for all construction activities, encompassing road works, building projects, strengthening, and widening| Furthermore, construction and demolition debris must be disposed of strictly in accordance with the Construction and Demolition Waste Rules, 2016, with adequate dust-suppression provisions for demolition and earthwork operations|
To tackle road dust, all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and other executing agencies are mandated to ensure water sprinkling on major roads and construction stretches at least every three hours| Open burning of waste, coal burning in roadside eateries (dhabas), and any form of open fire are now strictly prohibited| The Chief District Agriculture Officer is tasked with enforcing a complete ban on stubble burning and the disposal of crop residues in agricultural fields|
Further restrictions include a ban on firecrackers within the district and a directive for vehicles transporting construction materials like fly ash, sand, or crusher dust to be covered with tarpaulin while plying on national highways, state highways, and city roads| Brick kiln units are permitted to operate only with valid authorization, and all crusher units must install and maintain green fencing, wind-breaking walls, dust-suppression systems, and IP cameras| Citizens are also encouraged to adopt sustainable modes of transport, such as public transport, bicycles, and e-vehicles, while unnecessary construction activities contributing to dust pollution are to be avoided| This proactive stance by the Mayurbhanj administration is expected to set a precedent for other districts grappling with similar environmental challenges across Odisha|
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