The Punjab Pollution Control Board has launched a major crackdown on illegal garbage dumping and burning in Mohali after repeated incidents of toxic fires poisoned the city's air. The environmental scandal has triggered widespread public anger and health concerns among residents.
Immediate Action Following Public Outcry
Following numerous complaints on social media and reports from distressed local residents, the Punjab Pollution Control Board conducted surprise inspections at multiple affected sites. The crackdown occurred on November 27, 2025, with officials taking immediate action to address the growing environmental crisis.
The pollution control teams extinguished active fires and seized trucks engaged in illegal dumping operations. The affected areas included Phase 8B, Sector 74, Sector 66-A near Kambala village, and Sector 65/Phase 11 - indicating widespread illegal waste disposal practices across the city.
Health Hazards and Environmental Damage
PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta strongly condemned the violations, emphasizing the severe health risks posed by open waste burning. "Open burning of waste produces harmful particulate matter and toxic gases that severely degrade air quality," she stated. "Our mission is to ensure every resident of Punjab breathes clean air."
Environmental and health experts have identified the dangerous consequences of burning mixed municipal waste, particularly plastic materials. The practice releases multiple hazardous pollutants including:
- PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ particulate matter
- Black carbon and carbon monoxide
- Dioxins and furans
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Heavy metals
These pollutants significantly increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases while exacerbating the region's air pollution and climate challenges.
Persistent Problem Despite Crackdown
In a troubling development, despite the PPCB's morning crackdown, fresh smoke was spotted again at the Phase 8B dumping site in the evening of the same day. This indicates the persistent nature of the illegal dumping problem.
Youth activist Vishaldeep Singh Ballomajra, associated with the Aam Aadmi Party, reportedly intercepted another waste-laden truck attempting to dump garbage illegally. He urgently appealed to local MLA Kulwant Singh to take strict action, warning that toxic smoke from these fires is particularly affecting vulnerable populations including migrant labourers, industrial workers, and children living in nearby areas.
Local residents have already reported multiple health issues consistent with exposure to hazardous fumes, including:
- Breathing discomfort and respiratory problems
- Eye irritation and watering
- Persistent coughing and throat irritation
Official Directives and Public Response
The PPCB has issued formal directions to the Mohali Municipal Corporation to stop all open dumping and burning activities immediately. The orders include seizing offending vehicles and initiating legal action against violators to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
While residents have welcomed the pollution control board's intervention, many emphasize that only persistent monitoring, transparent waste-management systems, and civic accountability can provide a lasting solution to protect Mohali's environment. The public insists that these measures are crucial to ensure clean air for future generations and prevent further degradation of the city's air quality.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in waste management practices in urban areas and the critical need for systematic solutions to address environmental health hazards affecting community wellbeing.
