Open burning of waste goes unabated in Palampur
Practice goes on despite door-to-door garbage collection by the Municipal Corporation
Palampur is witnessing a serious environmental and health concern as open burning of garbage continues unabated in several parts of the town, despite the Municipal Corporation (MC) carrying out daily door-to-door waste collection. The practice has led to rise in air pollution levels, adversely affecting elderly residents and people suffering from respiratory, pulmonary and chest-related diseases.
Residents from different wards of the MC said, “Garbage is being deliberately set on fire in open spaces, along roadsides and near the residential areas. The smoke emanating from burning plastic, polythene and mixed waste causes severe discomfort, particularly to senior citizens, asthma patients and those already suffering from chest infections. Many residents complain of persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, throat irritation and eye burning, especially during the early morning hours.”
Gopal Nag, Mayor, Palampur Municipal Corporation, said, “Waste is being burnt despite the fact that the civic body is collecting garbage from door-to-door on daily basis. Some individuals are deliberately ignoring waste disposal norms. As per National Green Tribunal (NGT) rules, open burning of garbage attracts a minimum penalty of Rs 25,000.”
He stated that the MC had directed its staff to penalise offenders. He assured that the civic body would take immediate steps to curb burning of waste, identify those indulging in this practice and initiate action as per rules against them. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the MC.
“There is no justification for burning of garbage when proper collection facilities are in place. The lack of strict enforcement has encouraged such irresponsible behaviour,” said KB Ralhan, a local environmentalist and member of the NGO People’s Voice. He regretted that the posts of sanitary inspectors in the MC had been lying vacant for the past one year, which worsened the situation. He demanded strict enforcement of rules, regular patrolling by the MC staff, pasting of warning notices in the sensitive areas and imposition of heavy fines on violators to deter repeat offences.
