Garbage burning along Binwa river in Baijnath goes on

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, July 14

Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order banning the burning of garbage, heaps of garbage is being burned along the Binwa river on the outskirts of Baijnath town daily.

The NGT has ordered all state governments to impose a fine of Rs25,000 on those who are found violating the order. However, there is no impact of the order on Baijnath municipal council (MC) staff.

Employees of the council reportedly set on fire the garbage dumped on the Pathankot-Mandi highway daily, resulting in widespread air pollution. Despite repeated requests by residents, no action has been initiated by the council authorities or the local administration.

In the absence of garbage treatment facility, the Baijnath MC is burning the garbage near the Binwa river in gross violation of law. As per rules, garbage is to be treated or dumped scientifically without causing water or air pollution.

The smoke emanating from its burning leads to various respiratory diseases, particularly among old people and children. Ram Kumar, a senior citizen residing near Baijnath Temple, said the smoke emanating from garbage burning was leading to respiratory diseases among people.

He said he had contacted the Baijnath SDM time and again, but no steps had been initiated to check the menace. A paediatrician said there was a rise in the cases of respiratory problems among children because of air pollution.

Lalit Kumar, executive officer, Baijnath municipal council, told The Tribune that he was aware of the matter and necessary instructions against dumping of garbage in the river or its burning had been issued to the contractors concerned. He said he would cancel their contracts if they failed to follow the orders.

Meanwhile, several local bodies, panchayats and NGOs have sought Kangra Deputy Commissioner’s intervention in implementing the NGT order.

Residents at receiving end 

• Employees of the Baijnath municipal council reportedly set on fire the garbage dumped on the Pathankot-Mandi highway, resulting in widespread air pollution
• Despite repeated requests by residents, no action has been initiated by the council authorities or the local administration
• As per rules, garbage is to be treated or dumped scientifically without causing water or air pollution..