Waste burning still rampant in Mysuru despite ban

MYSURU: Despite a ban on burning of waste, many still continue to put fire to plastic and other dry materials in different parts of the city, posing health hazards. Local residents allege that even pourakarmikas burn plastic and other dry waste, mostly in the morning hours.
According to residents, the burning is not restricted to any particular area, but carried out across the city.All these days, it was alleged that mostly destitutes and labourers were the ones who were burning the dry waste items including plastic because of prevailing cold weather. However, now it is being burnt in broad daylight.
Shamsuddin Suleman, a vendor on the MG Road, said the smell of burnt plastic envelopes the entire area in the morning. “They put fire to all the dry waste items. It often causes head ache. But everyone fear to raise voice,” he said.
Ajay S, a resident of Lingambudipalya, who is working with a private firm, said recently dry leaves were burnt even on the Lingambudi lake bed area. “It was done in early morning hours. On both sides of the ring road, people are seen putting fire to the dry waste and make localities fill with smoke.
According to MCC health officer D G Nagaraj, putting fire to dry waste is an offence. “We are trying to create awareness among all including the pourakarmikas. We will impose fine on those who put fire to the waste,” he said. “Recently, near Shantala theatre, locals alerted us about a similar incident. We rushed to the spot and doused the fire. We also asked local people not to repeat such an act and explained the side-effects of burning plastic and other dry waste items,” he said.
“Plastic burning is very dangerous. It increases the toxicity in the air. We need to bring down the use of the plastic through numerous ways by reducing its use and recycling,” said M S Basavaraj, chief medical officer, University health centre, University of Mysore.
“As per the solid waste management rules, plastic burning is prohibited. Burning of all the items including leaves is also banned. Several times these items are burnt as an easy solution to the waste management,” he said. “The solid waste management falls under the ambit of the city corporation. As per the rule, the plastic should be recycled,” said BM Prakash, environmental engineer, KSPCB.