Air quality takes a hit as waste set ablaze in Jhajjar market

In blatant violation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) guidelines, waste materials were set on fire in the open outside the vegetable market on Gurugram Road here on Monday evening, sending up dense smoke and worsening air quality in the area. Eyewitnesses said the fire continued for a long time and the resulting smog spread across nearby areas, including the local court and mini-secretariat.

Acting on public complaints, the Jhajjar Municipal Council (MC) ordered strict action and directed officials to penalise those responsible for the violation. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has also sought a detailed report from the MC regarding the incident and the action taken.

The violation comes even as Bahadurgarh, another major town in the district, figures among the most polluted areas in the state.

“Vegetable waste, straw and packing materials from fruits and vegetables are often dumped outside the market and later set ablaze. This practice was followed on Monday evening. I noticed the flames and recorded a video to alert the authorities. The fire was quite high and the smog caused significant air pollution,” said Banti, a local resident.

Confirming the violation, Shailender Arora, Regional Officer, HSPCB, said burning waste in open spaces is a clear breach of GRAP-II instructions.

“The Executive Officer (EO) of Jhajjar MC has been directed to take action as per law. A report on the incident has also been sought from him,” he said.

Devender Kumar, EO of Jhajjar MC, said challans were being issued against those found responsible for setting the waste on fire.

“Since GRAP-II has already been enforced in the district, we are persistently carrying out awareness drives and public announcements to motivate people to follow the guidelines and help maintain healthy air quality,” he added.

The EO further explained that under GRAP-II, several restrictions are in place to control rising pollution levels.

“These include prohibiting waste burning, limiting construction activities, controlling emissions from vehicles and industries, covering construction materials and enforcing stricter compliance from commercial establishments. Citizens are urged to adhere to these norms to maintain safe and healthy air standards,” he said.