Despite a cleaning drive in progress under the supervision of deputy commissioner, Nazafgarh Zone, in Sector 4, dry leaves and branches were burnt in Sector 14 on June 15.
It seems nothing can deter those who burn dry leaves in Dwarka. On June 15, despite a cleaning drive in progress in Sector 4 under the supervision of Sanjeev Kumar, deputy commissioner, Nazafgarh Zone, SDMC, a heap of dry leaves and branches were burnt in Sector 14 near Om and Kautilya Apartments.
According to residents and passers-by, the burning happened around 9 am when the DC was supervising garbage management drive in the sub city. The burning also harmed the trees in the area.
Although the administration claims to be spreading awareness about the issue and prosecuting violators, the number of places where burning of leaves is taking place is increasing and one can witness it happening every day.
The irony is that it seems no steps are being taken to curb the practice. AK Parashar, a resident of Sri Agrasen Apartments, Sector 7, who has been following up on the issue with SDMC, told City Spidey, “It’s unfortunate that despite regular visits by SDMC officials, burning of leaves is rampant. I have taken up the issue with National Human Rights Commission of India and National Green Tribunal.”
Parashar also said that SDMC was not carrying out the drive in a uniform manner in Dwarka and was focusing only on some areas. “The authorities have failed completely in managing the horticulture waste in Dwarka. If you see the condition in Sector 7, you will know how callous they have been. The vacant plot behind Maxfort School is full of garbage and horticultural waste.”
Resident also say that the horticultural waste is not being cleared by the corporation and that leaves and branches are burnt only when they are left at the dumping spot or along the footpath.
“I have never seen any SDMC official visit any spot where leaves were burnt. They know well where such burning happens. They are also aware that if leaves are not cleared, they would be burnt. But still they do nothing. They are neither serious about sanitation nor about the environment,” said Pankaj Singh, a resident of Sector 12.
