In a move to support safer and cleaner community spaces, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation — the city's governing body in the Indian state of Odisha — has announced a complete ban on the use of tarpaulin and plastic sheets in all city markets and haats (open-air markets), according to the New Indian Express. The decision, made just one day after a major fire destroyed around a dozen shops at the Unit-I vegetable market, marks a notable step toward improving fire — and public — safety.

Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das explained, per the Express, that the ban aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Investigations into the late-October fire revealed that synthetic tarpaulin and plastic sheets fueled the flames, destroying about a dozen shops.

"An enumeration exercise will be carried out soon to find out the exact number of shops doing business in makeshift tents and using the tarpaulin sheets as cover and shed," Das said. "The vendors will be asked to replace those plastic sheets with alternatives that are non-flammable."

The city plans to introduce Standard Operating Procedures to improve fire safety compliance and monitoring, ensuring their implementation. Market committees will also be asked to facilitate group insurance for vendors, according to the Express..

While some vendors worry that switching to safer materials may increase setup costs, city officials have emphasized that the transition will make public spaces more secure and less prone to devastating fires, which themselves pose financial as well as safety hazards. 

It's a move with the potential to demonstrate the multiple benefits of addressing compounding health and environmental threats. Driving down fire risks, which bring with them the potential to release harmful chemicals and smoke, is a win for public and planetary health. Driving down the demand for plastic products overall is also a contribution to a world facing a plastic waste crisis.

FROM OUR PARTNER Find the best HVAC solution to heat and cool your home more efficiently Mitsubishi Electric’s efficient heating and cooling HVAC solutions can help you stay comfortable no matter the weather or region. You can even regulate temperatures in each room with individually controlled all-electric heat pump systems. With an energy-efficient, all-climate system from Mitsubishi, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, receive up to $2,000 in tax credits, and get peace of mind knowing you’re choosing rigorously tested, high-quality products. Get Started

Meanwhile, government and community efforts could be made to enable equitable access to safer coverings, particularly those with the potential to block harmful UV rays for those who spend long hours working in the sun.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

Cool Picks

How the Expedia of solar panels helps homeowners save money and avoid a common trap: 'Giving you confidence in the systems'

Major brand unveils ultra-efficient appliances to lower your bills every month: 'A new benchmark in efficiency and performance'

New analysis reveals next-gen HVACs can save homeowners over $10,000 — here's how to buy one with government incentives

This innovative company will install solar panels on your roof with no upfront costs — here's how its business model works