Even after repeated attempts to spread awareness regarding the proper disposal of garbage in the city, the illegal practice of burning garbage has continued in Dehradun. Officials of the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) state that strict actions will be taken against people found burning garbage in violation of the rules.
Chief municipal health officer Dr Kailash Joshi stated that as per the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) burning garbage in open land including landfill sites is banned which further make such actions an offence.
Dr Joshi said, “It has been often found that the garbage at collection points and bins in the city is set on fire. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable garbage that includes plastic and other such materials are being burned openly.
The burning of garbage not only releases toxics in the air but also abets the spreading of diseases. Microparticles of any garbage can easily enter our body through respiration which can be harmful to our health as well.”
Giving information about the NGT directions he said “As per the directions issued by the NGT, burning of waste is strictly prohibited. If someone is caught doing this then a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to 25,000 can be imposed.
The MCD is responsible for proper disposal of garbage especially from the 100 garbage points in the city.
We collect garbage from these bins and dispose it of properly in the solid waste management plant. No one should burn the garbage in these bins.”
Appealing to the public Dr Joshi said, “We appeal to the public not to burn the garbage. If any individual is found to do such a thing then we will impose a fine of Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. We have recently penalised five of our workers for setting the garbage in the bins on fire.
For this, Rs 5000 fine was deducted from their salary and two to three local people were fined as well.”