Punjab pollution board warns of strict action on waste burning

In a move to protect the environment and improve air quality, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has launched strict action against the growing practice of open burning of municipal solid waste in municipal councils and nagar panchayats.

Following decisions taken by the competent authority, the Regional Office Hoshiarpur conducted a special awareness and sensitisation programme at the Nagar Council, Nawanshahr. The initiative aims to ensure a complete ban on the burning of solid waste in public areas.

During the programme, Engineer Arshpreet Kaur, Assistant Environmental Engineer, interacted directly with sanitation workers. She informed them about the harmful environmental and health impacts of burning waste. Emphasising compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, she highlighted the importance of waste segregation at the source, door-to-door collection, and scientific disposal of municipal waste.

The session witnessed the participation of the Sanitation Inspector, Community Facilitator and nearly 60 sanitation workers of the Nagar Council, Nawanshahr.

All attendees collectively took a pledge not to encourage or engage in any form of waste burning. The PPCB has reiterated that strict action will be taken against violators to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the public.