TGPCB warns against burning of waste in open areas, levies heavy fine
Hyderabad: Burning waste, dry leaves or plastic in open areas will attract a fine of Rs. 5,000. This is an older order and many people are not following it. Telangana State Pollution Control Board has started an awareness campaign against burning of any kind of garbage, leaves, waste plastic, rubber, self-moulding compound and such other materials in the open.
The campaign poster in Telugu reads, “ Do not burn waste in open areas. Those who are found violating the law will be required to pay a Rs. 5,000 fine.” The poster also highlights the harm the burning of waste causes to the environment and how it increases air pollution.
Nearly a decade ago, the Telangana government banned the burning of waste in open areas and also imposed a fine for violation of the ban. The ban order was in compliance with a National Green Tribunal (NGT) judgement. According to the Government Order (GO), Rs. 5,000 will be imposed for simple burning and Rs 25,000 for bulk waste burning.
The fast-paced development has also brought with it the garbage disposal crisis in Hyderabad. To address this issue, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy recommended the establishment of four dump yards strategically positioned on the outskirts of the city. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the adverse effects currently experienced by residents living near the solitary dump yard in Jawahar Nagar.
Jawahar Nagar dump yard currently bears the responsibility of processing about 8,000 tonnes of waste every day, which contributes to air pollution and unpleasant odours for neighbouring residents. Officials had already selected potential dump yard areas in Shamshabad and Medak to handle the mounting environmental challenges.
Expressing unwavering government support, Revanth Reddy encouraged the establishment of garbage recycling plants as part of a comprehensive solution to Hyderabad’s waste management challenges.
