Authorities hardly worried as city bus smoke continues to pollute air

BATHINDA: The rising pollution in the city has become a major cause of concern for its residents but the problem appears to be nothing for the district administration, Punjab Pollution Control Board or the city traffic police.

Buses under the city bus service banner emit huge volume of smoke in Bathinda. Photo: Vijay Kumar

Gurdeep Singh Mann

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 1

The rising pollution in the city has become a major cause of concern for its residents but the problem appears to be nothing for the district administration, Punjab Pollution Control Board or the city traffic police.

City residents, upset over the unbearable smoke coming out of illegal vehicles and overloaded trucks, alleged that the Punjab Government had completely failed to address the issue.

The areas, which remain polluted most of the time include Barnala Road, Mansa Road, Dabwali Road, stretch of Power House Road between the Cantonment area and the road alongside Model Town Phase-III.

Residents said apart from the smoke emitted from vehicles, there was no check over the burning of waste material which is put on fire by safai workers of the MCB.

City residents express their views on the issue of rising pollution

Impose fine

In view of the unbearable smoke emitted from the burning of garbage, the authorities should impose a complete ban on the burning of waste material. The administration should impose a fine of Rs 5,000 on the lines of the penalty imposed by the Delhi Government. — Parmod Jain

Sensitise people

Sensitising people to the ill-effects of pollution is the need of the hour. Even literate people in posh localities choose to burn the waste material as they find it an easier way to dispose of the garbage. People should be made aware of the consequences of smoke on our health. — Amrit

Govt should share data on pollution

The Punjab Government should share the data which shows the level of pollution in cities like Bathinda. The manner of collecting data on pollution done by the factories, vehicles and burning of waste material is non-transparent. — Mintu

Imposition of rules

The lack of strict imposition of rules is the chief reason behind the rising level of pollution in Bathinda. It is poisoning the air which we inhale. It is badly affecting the health of our children and elderly. The authorities should be strict against vehicles and manufacturing units that emit excessive smoke. — Varinder