Garbage burning goes unchecked as Ludhiana residents gasp for breath

Despite repeated warnings, legal undertakings and environmental norms, garbage burning continues unabated across Ludhiana, choking neighbourhoods and flouting National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives.

Across Ludhiana, garbage burning by sweepers on roadsides has become a common sight. Instead of transporting waste to the designated processing units, piles of waste are often set on fire in residential areas, near markets and under flyovers.

“I’ve seen sweepers light up garbage right outside our colony gate,” said Harbans Lal, a 72-year-old resident of Club Road. “The smoke makes my eyes watery and my throat burns. We keep our windows shut all day.”

For asthmatic patients, the situation is worse. “I had to increase my inhaler dosage this week,” said Simran Kaur, a 34-year-old teacher. “Every time I step out, I feel breathless. The air smells of burnt plastic and rotten waste.”

Doctors warn of long-term health consequences. “Open garbage burning releases toxic pollutants like dioxins and furans,” said Dr RK Bansal, a pulmonologist. “These can aggravate asthma, trigger bronchitis and even lead to chronic respiratory issues. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.”

In yet another recent incident, heaps of waste were set ablaze outside the static compactor near the old courts, under the Lakkar Bridge flyover — an area already under litigation.

Social activist and environmentalist Kapil Arora alleged that a sweeper engaged by the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana (MCL) was reportedly tasked with clearing the garbage, but instead of transferring it to the compactor, one of them allegedly set the waste on fire. Thick smoke engulfed the area, causing severe discomfort to passersby and residents. Though the fire brigade was called in, the damage to air quality had already been done.

“This site is under NGT’s watch, yet garbage is dumped and burnt here daily,” said Kapil Dev, one of the petitioners. “Despite the Deputy Commissioner’s assurance to clear the site as per Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, no action has been taken.”