Lucknow gasps for breath as ban on burning of garbage in open is flouted with impunity

LUCKNOW: Despite efforts by the Lucknow Municipal Commissioner (LMC) to enforce ban on garbage-burning, the practice persists across the city, contributing to severe pollution.
On Monday, the LMC filed a complaint against Ramzan Ali for allegedly burning a large heap of garbage, which caused significant air pollution and left residents struggling to breathe. A similar complaint was lodged on Sunday at the Mahanagar police station against a private company in the Paper Mill Colony for burning waste on its premises.
Despite, LMC imposed a ban on open garbage burning in 2017 which includes fine for violators and wage deductions for civic sanitation workers found engaging in the act. However, enforcement of these rules has been inadequate, resulting in recurring violations.
Areas like Sitapur Road, Alambagh, Gomtinagar and Aliganj have witnessed several incidents of garbage-burning, filling the air with toxic smoke and raising serious health concerns among residents. "This toxic smoke has made it difficult for my children to play outside or even breathe properly. The authorities must act immediately to stop this menace," said Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Gomtinagar.
Anita Verma from Sitapur Road voiced similar concerns: "Garbage-burning is turning the air into poison. If the LMC cannot enforce its own rules, they should initiate legal action to ensure compliance. We cannot keep living like this."
LMC commissioner Inderjit Singh said, "Raids will be conducted to stop the practice." He also appealed to people to avoid indulging in the practice.