The North Delhi Municipal Corporation will start a drive against open burning of waste from October 15-March 15 to bring down pollution levels in the city this winter.
Following a meeting with members of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) on September 26, the civic body planned an intensive drive against open burning of waste, including taking action against waste-pickers in Bhalswa who light fire in landfills.
Landfill fires
“There are two types of fires that erupt in landfills. The first is a natural fire, caused when methane trapped inside layers of waste comes in contact with the air and ignites. The second kind, which is more prominent, is man-made. Waste pickers from nearby areas burn trash to get beneath the surface of the landfill, and collect plastic bottles and other recyclable waste that can be sold,” said a senior North Corporation official.
The official added that senior staff members have been ordered to conduct awareness drives among waste pickers on the harmful effects landfill fires have on their health and on the environment.
Heavy fines
“The idea, however, is to stop these rag pickers from burning waste. They will also be heavily fined in case of violations,” the official said.
The EPCA had pointed out in the meeting that the quality of air in the Capital deteriorates with the onset of winters, mainly due to heaviness in the air which does not allow dust and smoke particles to be carried away.
Dried leaves
The civic body will also take stringent measures to stop burning of dried leaves and household waste, which is often done by its own sanitation staff as an easy way to dispose waste.
Senior officials have issued strict directives to zonal officers to ensure that sanitation workers do not burn solid waste and to make sure that all sanitation teams are provided with handcarts to carry the waste that has been swept.
Directions to RWAs
“Strict orders have been issued to all Residents’ Welfare Associations [RWAs] to check security guards and domestic workers indulging in burning of waste. We have also issued directives for construction of buildings so that minimum pollution is caused during this period,” the official said.
