Ghaziabad Residents Raise Alarm Over Persistent Garbage Burning in Vaishali
Residents of Vaishali Ward 77 in Ghaziabad have voiced significant concern regarding the ongoing practice of garbage burning in their locality, highlighting grave dangers to both air quality and public health. In a decisive move, they have submitted a formal written complaint to the municipal commissioner, meticulously outlining the environmental degradation and health hazards linked to this illegal activity.
Proximity to High-Pollution Zone Amplifies Fears
The urgency of the situation is underscored by Vaishali's geographical location. The area is situated merely 15 kilometers from Loni, which was identified as the most polluted region in the preceding year according to a recent environmental survey. This proximity to a known pollution hotspot has intensified residents' anxieties about the compounding effects of localized garbage fires on an already compromised atmosphere.
Activists Detail Widespread Violations and Official Inaction
Social activist Sunil Vaidya provided detailed accounts of the problem, stating that garbage fires are being deliberately set at multiple sites by both encroachers and, alarmingly, by some sanitation workers themselves. Despite numerous complaints lodged through official channels, including repeated calls to the municipal health and sanitary officer and reports via the dedicated 'Ghaziabad 311 App', no effective resolution has been forthcoming.
"The toxic smoke emanating from burning garbage is particularly harmful for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions," Vaidya emphasized. He further pointed out that these actions constitute a clear violation of the standing ban on garbage burning imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), India's specialized environmental court.
Residents' Demands for Accountability and Systemic Change
The aggrieved citizens have presented a clear set of demands to the authorities. They are calling for strict punitive action against all individuals responsible for igniting the fires, including any sanitation staff found negligent in their duties. Furthermore, they have advocated for the establishment of a reliable and regular garbage collection system to prevent waste accumulation, which is a root cause of such burning incidents.
Accountability is a central theme in their complaint. "Mere reporting of the matter to officials will not address the core issue. The officials or contractors responsible for these acts must be held personally accountable," asserted Piyush Rawat, another concerned resident of Vaishali. The community has also specifically demanded accountability from the sanitary inspector overseeing the ward.
Complaint Escalated to Multiple Regulatory Bodies
To ensure the complaint receives the necessary attention, copies have been disseminated to a wide array of authorities. This includes the Ghaziabad District Magistrate, the Regional Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and it has been registered on the 'Sameer' air quality monitoring app managed by the CPCB.
"We earnestly hope that the municipal authorities will act with urgency and decisiveness to terminate this unhealthy practice, with the ultimate goal of restoring cleanliness and breathable air quality in our neighborhood," concluded Vaidya. As of now, an official response from the concerned departments is still pending.
