Ludhiana: Burning of dry leaves in compost pits constructed in Leisure Valley, Sarabha Nagar, near MC zone D office has invited criticism from city residents. On Sunday, a video also went viral where dry leaves were seen being burnt in the pits. The residents have questioned civic officials on the condition of the compost pits meant to dispose off green waste properly and not used to burn dry leaves, causing pollution.The residents claim that the MC officials were not at all concerned about the environment.
Dr SB Pandhi, a city-based businessman, said he went had gone for cycling after a long break of winter season and noticed this practice of burning dry leaves in the Leisure Valley. He said the civic body was choosing the easiest way to dispose off dry cuttings and leaves, ignoring the pollution level in the city, which is not good for residents.
Meanwhile, activist Kapil Arora, too, has raised the issue and claimed that they would approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against this act and would seek strict action along with imposition of heavy penalty against the civic body.
He added the MC was responsible for curbing the incidents of garbage burning or organic waste burning and such an incident was not acceptable.
Col JS Gill, former member of Buddha Dariya Task Force and an activist, said, “This is so unscientific. The best bio material for compost and biofuels briquette is being burnt in the open and it is also affecting the AQI.” He said there should be action against those responsible.
On the other hand, in charge of the MC’s horticulture branch Kripal Singh said, “We have not burnt waste in the pits. Rather, we are preparing manure in compost pits. There are over 550 pits in various parks of the city and manure is being prepared there.” He added that a private firm was maintaining the green area and he would inquire about the same from them.
Notably, burning of organic waste is an offence and as per the directions of the NGT, a penalty of Rs 25,000 should be imposed on the violators. Despite repeated complaints, the MC has failed to find scientific solution to decompose organic waste as well as in stopping burning of organic waste in parks and greenbelts, resulting in major damage to the environment.
Dr SB Pandhi, a city-based businessman, said he went had gone for cycling after a long break of winter season and noticed this practice of burning dry leaves in the Leisure Valley. He said the civic body was choosing the easiest way to dispose off dry cuttings and leaves, ignoring the pollution level in the city, which is not good for residents.
Meanwhile, activist Kapil Arora, too, has raised the issue and claimed that they would approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against this act and would seek strict action along with imposition of heavy penalty against the civic body.
He added the MC was responsible for curbing the incidents of garbage burning or organic waste burning and such an incident was not acceptable.
Col JS Gill, former member of Buddha Dariya Task Force and an activist, said, “This is so unscientific. The best bio material for compost and biofuels briquette is being burnt in the open and it is also affecting the AQI.” He said there should be action against those responsible.
On the other hand, in charge of the MC’s horticulture branch Kripal Singh said, “We have not burnt waste in the pits. Rather, we are preparing manure in compost pits. There are over 550 pits in various parks of the city and manure is being prepared there.” He added that a private firm was maintaining the green area and he would inquire about the same from them.
Notably, burning of organic waste is an offence and as per the directions of the NGT, a penalty of Rs 25,000 should be imposed on the violators. Despite repeated complaints, the MC has failed to find scientific solution to decompose organic waste as well as in stopping burning of organic waste in parks and greenbelts, resulting in major damage to the environment.