Miyapur residents express frustration over open burning of garbage
MIYAPUR: Miyapur residents are expressing deep concern over the rampant open burning of garbage, allegedly carried out by irresponsible individuals across various locations in the area. Instances of open waste burning have been observed in several areas including Vijay Sree Colony, Auto Nagar, Madhava Nagar and Hafeezpet Pipeline Road.
Despite numerous complaints lodged by residents, municipal authorities have failed to address the issue, allowing the practice to persist unchecked. Residents claimed that even municipal workers employed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) are sometimes responsible for igniting waste in open spaces.
Vinay Vangala, a resident and prominent social activist in Miyapur, alleges a lack of enforcement of G.O.Ms.No 40 by civic authorities. He said, “The GHMC is mandated to impose penalties under the aforementioned government order, yet such measures have not been effectively implemented. The worst part is even sanitation workers are openly burning waste, seemingly unfazed by the potential repercussions.”
Experts warned that the practice of burning trash poses significant health risks due to the release of toxic chemicals, including nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and dioxins. Combusting household waste such as wood and leaves generates smoke containing harmful particulate matter and vapors, contributing to air pollution and posing potential health hazards.
Exposure to these air pollutants can lead to various health issues, including irritation of the eyes and nose, respiratory difficulties, coughing, headaches, and exacerbation of lung infections, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and allergies, particularly among individuals with preexisting heart disease, asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory conditions.
Demanding immediate and stringent action against those responsible, Miyapur residents urged municipal authorities to hold accountable all perpetrators of open waste burning, whether they are sanitation staff, workers from commercial establishments, or negligent citizens.
