The Orissa High Court has directed the Cuttack district administration to take strict action against the use of polythene during the upcoming Bali Yatra festival, which begins on November 5.

A division bench comprising Justice S.K. Sahoo and Justice V. Narasingh issued the directive after the Orissa High Court Bar Association raised serious concerns about rampant polythene usage in the city. Bar Association president Manoj Mishra and secretary Avijit Patnaik informed the court that polythene waste was clogging drains, causing waterlogging, and contributing to the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. They also highlighted that burning polythene releases toxic gases, worsening air pollution and respiratory health risks.

Responding to the concerns, the court emphasized t

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