Burning garbage adds to Mohali’s pollution woes

Mohali: As unauthorised garbage dumping spots proliferate along a railway line in Mohali, residents are now struggling to breathe as these dumps are being frequently ignited, emitting noxious fumes into the atmosphere. Residents in the vicinity vociferously complain of sore throat pains and incessant itching in their eyes, as the acrid smoke permeates the air.
This flagrant burning of garbage dumps contravenes the guidelines set forth by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), exacerbating the already dire pollution levels in the area. Concerned councillors have raised the alarm and lodged formal complaints with the Municipal Corporation Commissioner and the mayor, urging them to take swift action to curb this environmentally detrimental practice. Councillor K S Kaler from ward number 18 asserted that he had submitted a complaint to the mayor and MC Commissioner, highlighting the unauthorized dumping and burning of trash near the railway line at Phase 11 by the corporation and street vendors.
Kaler emphasized, "The toxic smoke emanating from these fires is causing severe breathing difficulties for the residents of Phase 11. This area is rapidly devolving into an unauthorized dumping ground. I implore the MC Commissioner and Mayor to take immediate action to halt this hazardous practice."
However, the issue extends beyond this single location, as similar small and medium-sized garbage dumps set ablaze can be observed in various other parts of the city, including near Balongi, in the industrial areas of Phase 7 and 8, and in the vicinity of Phase 1 and Sector 71.
Jasbir Singh, a resident of Phase 1, lamented, "We have an enormous garbage dump, purportedly a collection center, which is overflowing with refuse littered outside the enclosure, extending up to the road. This garbage is frequently set on fire, emitting smoke that causes asphyxiation."
Another resident of Balongi, Kirpal Kumar, echoed these concerns, stating, "The garbage dump along the main road is constantly set on fire, and no one is there to prevent it. ”