Burning of waste on roadsides common scene in city

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 7

For burning of waste in open places, a fine of up to Rs 25,000 can be imposed. Despite this, the burning of dry leaves and waste is a common scene in various streets and plots in the city.

The National Green Tribunal had earlier imposed a complete ban on the burning of waste in open places. However, the civic body is yet to ensure proper implementation of the orders.

The residents are forced to suffer due to the burning of dry leaves and waste on roadsides and plots.

Forty-year-old Rashpal Singh said, “My office is located on Daba Road and the burning of waste is a common thing in this area. Industrial waste, plastic and rubber items are openly burnt in vacant plots. Due to smoke emanating from burning waste, it is hard to breathe. Such unlawful practices should be strictly curbed.”

Kapil Arora of the Council of Engineers, said, “A huge heap of waste was today put on fire in the Jawahar Nagar area. The people are forced to suffer due to such wrong practices. I have also complained to the civic body in this regard. The MC should take necessary steps to stop burning of waste in the city.”

A few years ago, the MC had started a drive to issue challans against those who were found burning waste. But, the unlawful practice of burning waste is still going on unabatedly in the city.

“The MC should conduct a special drive in all areas to create awareness among the people against the burning of waste. The civic body should ensure the implementation of the ban in the right manner and ensure the protection of the environment. Besides, the civic body and the PPCB should also act against the factories polluting the city,” said Satinderpal Singh of BRS Nagar.

The burning of waste is also common at the MC’s landfill site near Kakka village. The residents of nearby areas are forced to suffer as smoke emanates due to the burning of waste.

Health Officer, MC, Vipul Malhotra said a fine of Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 could be imposed on those who burn the waste. “We are taking action against the violators,” he said.