Burning of dry leaves troubles joggers at Govt Medical College

Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 7

Ignoring all norms related with checking pollution level from rising and its commitment to safeguard the health of residents, the burning of waste especially dry leaves and grass at the Government Medical College here goes unchecked.

Even today a large heap of organic mass mainly dry leaves and shoots of trees which were pruned near Forensic Department was seen set on fire. “It was before 8 am today that the waste heap was set on fire. People were jogging in the ground and the smoke emanating from the heap was an irritant,” said a faculty member who witnessed the act.

The vast college premise is used by its employees and even common residents for walking or jogging. The joggers said instead of burning the waste it should be left to dry and decompose.

The residents said no one better than the college officials knows the harms of smoke on human health. They demanded that in view of the institute’s commitment to preserve health of the residents, it must take the issue seriously.

College Principal Dr Tejbir Singh said, “The matter will be investigated and fresh instructions against burning of waste of any kind including dry leaves will be issued.” He said the college was committed to follow all environment related guidelines.