Near India’s most polluted town, waste burns in open for months

GHAZIABAD: Residents of Vaishali Ward 77 have expressed concern over the continued burning of garbage in their locality, citing serious risks to both air quality and public health. In response, they have submitted a formal complaint to the municipal commissioner, detailing the environmental and health hazards associated with the practice. Vaishali is just 15km from Loni, which was the most polluted area last year, according to a recent survey.Sunil Vaidya, a social activist, said garbage fires were being ignited at multiple locations by encroachers as well as sanitation workers; however, even repeated calls to the municipal health and sanitary officer, the ‘Ghaziabad 311 App’ failed to produce any resolution.“The toxic smoke from burning garbage is harmful, especially for the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions,” stressed Vaidya. He also pointed out that these actions violate the existing National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on garbage burning.Residents demanded strict action against those responsible for the fires, as well as for the sanitation staff who failed to manage the area properly. They also called for a regular garbage collection system so that waste does not pile up and cause such problems again. In addition, they demanded accountability for the sanitary inspector in charge.“Mere reporting the matter to officials won’t address the issue. Officials or contractors responsible for the act should be held accountable, said Piyush Rawat, another resident of Vaishali.A copy of the complaint has also been shared with authorities, including the Ghaziabad district magistrate, the regional officer of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Sameer App.“We hope that the municipal authorities will act swiftly to put an end to this unhealthy practice, aiming to restore cleanliness and air quality in the area,” said Vaidya.A response from the officials is awaited on the matter.