Bhubaneswar, April 27: The civic body has begun implementation of new plastic waste management rules here.

The development comes after the Central Pollution Control Board slammed the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation for not implementing of the new Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The civic body has decided to hire an expert firm, which will set up a plastic waste processing facility and ensure smooth waste management in the city. Sources said the firm would be selected by mid-May.

"We have invited proposals to select an expert firm. It will establish an enforcement mechanism and ensure implementation of the rules in spirit. It will also set up a treatment plant to recycle and process plastic waste without harming the environment," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, adding the firm will begin work by the end of May.

In February, the board asked the housing and urban development department to communicate with the civic body and prepare bylaws under the new rules and submit an annual action plan by June. It had also warned of action if it failed.

According to the plans, the firm selected will identify street vendors, shopkeepers, plastic producers and manufacturers and collect user fees for the use of plastic materials, carry bags or polythene from event sites and households. It will also devise a mechanism for segregation, collection, storage, transportation and recycling at the source.

The firm will also put up a mechanism for collection of plastic waste through rag pickers in a safe manner. It will engage with the community for sustainable waste management practice and develop a strategy to establish safe collection, storage and transportation.

The firm will generate awareness among the public and organise training programmes for rag pickers.

Bhubaneswar generates about 15,330 tonnes of plastic every year. At present, it doesn't have any mechanism for safe segregation and disposal of plastic waste. However, the new rules mandate all urban local bodies to ensure proper management of plastic waste.

A feature of the rules is for an individual using plastic to pay a certain amount to the civic body for its management. The rules enable the civic body to charge retailers a minimum of Rs 4,000 per month for providing plastic carry bags to customers.

City-based environmentalist Sailabala Padhi said plastic was one of the most hazardous wastes, heavily polluting the environment.

"The Centre's move to bring in stringent rules for plastic waste management is good. The government's efforts to ban plastic went in vain. I hope that the new rules will discourage the use of plastic," said Padhi.