National Green Tribunal (NGT) has clear guidelines on the burning of waste in the open. However, Noida Authority, in charge of enforcing these rules, are the ones flouting them.
About a month ago, a massive heap of waste was set on fire by the Authority at a landfill in Sector 79. Smoke from the site has been causing major respiratory problems for residents of Prateek Wisteria Apartments in Sector 77, which stands about a kilometre away. Ironically, it was the Authority's health department that had burnt the waste.
As per NGT guidelines, burning waste or dry leaves in open areas is prohibited and a punishable offence attracting a fine of Rs 5,000.
Amit Gupta, a resident of Prateek Wisteria, has written to the NGT about the smoke.
Project Engineer (Health) BM Pokhiryal does not have a concrete solution to the problem. "The fire will be doused in a day or two. We also have plans to shift the landfill elsewhere, so residents need not worry," he said.
