Ludhiana Grapples with Organic Waste Crisis as Dry Leaves Pile Up
With the seasonal shift in weather, Ludhiana is facing a significant environmental challenge as heaps of organic waste, primarily dry leaves, accumulate in parks, streets, and other public spaces. The Municipal Corporation (MC) officials have acknowledged their current inability to manage this waste effectively, sparking concerns among residents about pollution and fire hazards.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Burning Practices
Local residents have expressed strong dissatisfaction, describing the situation as an eyesore and highlighting improper disposal methods. They report that MC employees often resort to burning dry leaves after sweeping them, rather than ensuring proper disposal. This practice is particularly noticeable in areas with dense tree coverage, where leaves are burned in small heaps along roadsides.
Manoj Gupta, a resident of Civil City, observed, "The burning of leaves is a common sight where there are many trees. Even MC staff sometimes burn these leaves to avoid the effort of lifting and disposing of them properly."
Health and Environmental Risks Highlighted
Diksha Sharma from Sant Nagar emphasized the need for systematic disposal, pointing out that many cities use specialized machines for dry leaf management. She warned, "Burning leaves releases harmful gases that pose health risks, especially for individuals with cardiovascular diseases or asthma. It also increases air pollution, reduces visibility, and can damage property."
The accumulation of dry leaves in areas like Sarabha Nagar and Leisure Valley has raised fears among locals that a small spark could ignite a fire, given the large quantities of flammable material lying around.
MC's Response and Legal Implications
A senior official from the MC's horticulture branch acknowledged the issue, stating that staff have been deputed to clear fallen leaves from parks and residential zones. The official urged both sanitation workers and residents to refrain from burning dry leaves, noting that such practices violate National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines.
According to NGT regulations, burning any type of waste is punishable, with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. Over the past two months, activists have filed numerous complaints about leaf and solid waste burning contributing to air pollution in the city.
Proposed Solution: Horticulture Plant Installation
In response to the growing crisis, MC officials have announced plans to install a horticulture plant aimed at solving the organic waste disposal problem. This initiative is expected to provide a sustainable alternative to burning, aligning with environmental standards and addressing residents' health concerns.
The civic body's move comes as changing weather patterns continue to deposit dry leaves and organic waste across public spaces, underscoring the urgent need for effective waste management strategies in Ludhiana.
