Ban goes up in smoke as waste burning continues in Amritsar

The burning of waste materials, including dry leaves and grass, alongside roads in the city persists, despite being prohibited by law as a heap of garbage outside ESI Hospital on Majitha road could be seen on fire for two consecutive days recently.

The practice not only harms the environment and soil health but also poses a significant health risk to residents. Burning of waste is a common practice in the city where waste is set on fire to get rid of it.

Krishan Kumar, a local resident, said, “This happens not only on roads but also in public parks where people go to breathe fresh air.” He said that the smoke emanating from waste heaps is toxic and can cause trouble in breathing.

The residents are frustrated that the administration has failed to take action against this practice, even in areas where government officials reside. The lack of action undermines the government's warnings to farmers against burning crop residue, as residents question the administration’s ability to monitor and enforce the ban.

“Soon, there would be fire in the fields to burn crop residue and the entire government machinery would be on its toes to check it. But still, the practice is yet to be stopped in the city,” said another resident Harnam Singh.

The residents expressed their concern over the impact of burning garbage on public health, particularly on children, the elderly and patients of asthma. They demand a strict ban on this practice and punishment for those who violate the norms.

They demanded that those responsible for burning of waste in the city must be held accountable. “The guidelines are very clear. It does not even allow burning of dry grass and leaves. However, it is strange that garbage heaps, mostly plastic bags, are set on fire,” said another resident Jangveer Singh.