Only yesterday, the National Green Tribunal ordered a penalty of Rs. 5000 on burning garbage, leaves, plastic as well as other waste material. But, Ghaziabad continued to burn garbage on Wednesday. During a visit, areas including Shastri Nagar, Kavi Nagar, Raj Nagar districts and some other areas were witnessed burning solid waste material.
As per the Central Pollution Board’s 2012 data, Ghaziabad is fourth in the country in terms of high PM10 levels. Corporation staff in Ghaziabad collects all the garbage each day, piles it up in an area and burns it. This is done so that the staff members do not have to carry the garbage to dumping grounds.
The NGT had stated in its order that garbage burning in open areas may lead to a number of pollutants, and the fumes released can be carcinogenic in nature, which is harmful. In the recent times, Ghaziabad has been recording high levels of PM2.5 and PM10.
Garbage burning is not only harmful in terms of health, but it is also dangerous since piped gas lines are laid on the road, which may lead to a disaster. Meanwhile, the residents of Indirapuram have said that they are not sure that the NGT’s ban will be successful. The residents of Indirapuram and Vaishali have suggested that dry leaves should be used as a compost.
Featured Image Credit (iamin.in)
