Barely a fortnight before Durga Puja festivities begin, Cuttack is grappling with a mounting garbage crisis that has left heaps of waste rotting across the city.

Sources reported that for the past three days, residents of Banki Brajabiharipur have blocked municipal vehicles from entering the local dumping yard, halting disposal operations and triggering foul stench in several neighbourhoods.

According to reports, waste collection vans of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) have been stranded as the access to the Brajabiharipur dumping site remains sealed by protesting locals. Residents have demanded the closure of the garbage yard, citing health hazards from continuous dumping in their area.

With no alternative site operational, waste is piling up on streets, raising concerns of sanitation breakdown at a time when the city is gearing up to host lakhs of visitors for the state’s biggest festival.

Mayor’s Response And Alternative Plans

Cuttack Mayor Subhash Singh has claimed that the CMC is working on alternative arrangements to tackle the disruption. He rejected allegations that people are residing on the government-owned land near the dumping yard, stating that such claims are unfounded.

“There are some issues in the dumping yards after locals there brought up some demands. We are working to meet them and waste collection will soon be streamlined to prevent further inconvenience to citizens,” he said.

Durga Puja Preparations In Full Swing

Even as garbage accumulates, the Millennium City is witnessing a flurry of puja preparations. The Khannagar Puja Committee is erecting a 55-foot-high and 60-foot-long tableau-style gate themed on ‘Operation Sindoor’, while artisans across mandaps are busy shaping idols of Goddess Durga.

‘Nada bandha’ has been completed and multiple clay layers applied, though intermittent rains have slowed drying. Once ready, the idols will be painted, polished with khadi, and decorated with sarees and ornaments, including traditional silver filigree pieces unique to Cuttack.