Burning of waste: Engineers complaint against Ludhiana civic body

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 20

The Council of Engineers (CoE) has filed a complaint with the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, Department of Local Government, against the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana for allegedly burning organic waste in the open.

The council sought action against the civic body for violating the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders.

“Organic waste was being burnt in the open at the green belt area near BRS Nagar Canal Bridge as well as at the Subash Nagar area of Ludhiana by the MC staff. Such burning of waste in the open causes severe damage to environment and troubles residents of nearby localities. Aged people and children are the ones most affected due to the smoke,” said CoE president Kapil Arora.

“The burning of waste in the open has been completely banned by the NGT. As per the NGT directions, the violators shall be liable to pay environmental compensation of Rs5,000 in case of simple burning, while Rs25,000 in case of bulk waste burning,” said CoE member Kulwant Singh Rai.

Another member, Mohit Jain, said: “It is the duty of MC officials to keep a check on the burning of waste in the open and impose fine on violators. But instead of spreading awareness among residents, they are violating the NGT orders.”

MC’s Health officer Dr Vipul Malhotra said they had not received any complaint yet. “If a complaint is received, we will take required action,” he said.