Not only is open burning of waste a significant source of pollution but so are landfills, construction and demolition waste, incinerators for sanitary towels in schools, and waste-to-energy plants, noted environment experts here on Thursday at the conclusion of a panel meeting.
A panel comprised Arvind Kumar of the Lung Care Foundation; Suneel Pandey, director, Environment and Waste Management Division, at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI); J.S. Kamyotra, former member of the Central Pollution Control Board.
One of the issues brought up was the challenge of measuring pollution. Dr. Kamyotra said, “How do you measure the dioxins from various sources? This also counts as pollution and is very toxic.”
Chintan director Bharati Chaturvedi noted, “What is the meaning of measuring dioxin when it is so expensive and done just three to four times a year? In most developing countries, it’s measured 24x7. It has no meaning. You just have to stop all manners of burning.”
Manwara Begum of Safai Sena, an association of waste pickers, said the air will continue to remain polluted till every citizen starts segregating waste.
“Think of us who pick your waste...We do it for our children. But what are you doing for your children? When you don’t segregate your waste? You pollute the air. That’s what you are giving to your children,” she said.
Prarthana Borah of Clean Air Asia pointed out, “ It is essential to mainstream air pollution in other areas. It is not a stand alone issue.”
Lack of governance
Several audience members talked about the lack of authority to complain to, and breakdown of governance.
The panel concluded with a plan to take the discussion ahead as a citizens’ movement to eliminate air pollution from waste.
