Despite ban, burning of garbage continues unabated in city

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, June 19

Despite the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) orders banning the open burning of waste residents, shopkeepers and sweepers of the Municipal Corporation (MC) burn tree leaves, paper, discarded material and plastic waste on road side and in residential areas.

Two years ago, the NGT, in its order, had announced a ban on burning the garbage in the open, including at landfill sites. It also stated that persons held responsible for waste burning would be liable to pay an environmental compensation of Rs 5,000 in case of simple burning and Rs 25,000 for burning large quantity of waste.

Many residents have complained about the practice, but no action has been taken by the authorities concerned. One of the residents, Kamlesh Singh said, “A few days ago I saw the persons, liable to collect the garbage, were burning heap of garbage at the Gymkhana Club road near Guru Nanak Mission Chowk.”

Another shopkeeper near the railway station said on daily basis garbage was set on fire during night near the road entering to station from the flyover.

As per health experts, garbage burning contributes to the existing urban air pollution which affects the health of people. Ash particulates can irritate the eyes and throat and can restrict the visibility. Burning of garbage releases dioxins (a kind of environmental pollutant) in the air. They belong to the so-called dirty dozen — a group of dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants.

The NGT had also made it clear that the environmental compensation should be recovered as arrears of land revenue by the competent authority in accordance with the law.

People engaged in the practice seem unaffected and there has been no check by the corporation on whether the orders are being followed or not.

Residents demanded that there should be a strict law and fine should be imposed on the burning of waste, including dry leaves and grass. “In the current post-harvesting season, we have seen that fly ash from nearby villages is also reaching city areas with wind. The burning of waste heaps is witnessed throughout the year and the government should wake up,” said Savita Khanna, a homemaker.

The MC Health Officer said, “There is a strict ban on burning of garbage. We keep a regular vigil in the city to check the problem.”