Garbage Crisis in Mohali: Toxic Waste Burning Exposed
In Mohali's Phase 8B, a troubling situation has emerged as garbage that once cluttered the streets is now being illegally dumped and set on fire. This alarming practice exposes local residents and nearby villagers to toxic fumes, raising serious health concerns. The Indian Express investigation revealed that waste-laden trucks are clandestinely entering through an unauthorized passage near the Airport Road bridge, unloading garbage nearly a kilometer inside, and then setting it ablaze.
Residents, including Baliyali sarpanch Kulbir Singh, have voiced their frustrations, stating that the Municipal Corporation (MC) is bypassing proper waste-processing sites. Instead, they are resorting to open dumping and burning, which is not only illegal but also dangerous. Singh pointed out the contradiction in government action, where drones can catch farmers burning stubble within an hour, yet the ongoing garbage fires have gone unnoticed for over two weeks.
The situation is dire, as residents are forced to inhale toxic fumes, especially during windy days when the smoke drifts towards the city. Local residents and industrial workers, including Naresh Dhiman and Ashwani Arora, report severe health issues like breathlessness, eye irritation, and persistent coughing due to the smoke permeating Phase 8B.
Environmental experts have warned about the serious health risks associated with burning mixed waste and plastic, which releases harmful substances like carbon monoxide and dioxins. These toxins pose a significant threat, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banning open burning of waste and imposing heavy penalties for violations, the situation in Mohali continues. Residents have reported that the MC has been dumping garbage in fields near Airport Road and Shaheed Udham Singh Colony, setting it on fire to avoid detection and reduce complaints.
The ongoing fires have reportedly persisted for 15 days along the busy Airport Road, an area frequented by thousands of vehicles daily. Mohali Regional Office Executive Engineer Navtesh Singla stated that they only became aware of this issue a week ago. A fine of Rs 5,000 has been imposed on the Municipal Corporation, and fire brigade officials have been instructed to extinguish the fire.
Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and assured that it would be addressed immediately with the civic body. This crisis underscores the urgent need for accountability and effective action to protect the health of Mohali's residents.
