First FIR registered for burning waste along Dwarka e-way in Gurugram
In a bid to curb the waste burning menace, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has begun getting FIRs registered against the violators.
The MCG had got an FIR registered against unidentified persons for setting a pile of garbage on fire along Dwarka Expressway on Friday. The incident, which caused discomfort to residents due to the heavy smoke, is being seen as a serious violation of the environmental norms, especially with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in force across Delhi and NCR.
The blaze occurred near the CPR-SPR junction along the expressway, where waste material had been illegally dumped in the green belt area. MCG officials were informed about it when heavy smoke spread across the area, affecting nearby residential societies. Residents had complained of severe eye irritation and breathing difficulties due to the smoke, following which the MCG swiftly coordinated with the fire department to control and extinguish the fire. However, the identities of those responsible for the incident remain unknown.
MCG Commissioner Narhari Singh Banger said, "It's sad that people complain about poor air quality on social media but take no responsibility in reducing it. Under GRAP, strict regulations are in place to control pollution during the critical winter months when air quality typically deteriorates. Setting waste on fire is a punishable offence and such actions will not be tolerated."
Banger said the MCG was taking stringent measures to ensure adherence to the GRAP guidelines, adding that the violators would face legal consequences.
According to the GRAP guidelines, activities that contribute to air pollution such as burning waste, unauthorised dumping of debris, transporting uncovered construction materials and using coal or wood in tandoors or furnaces are strictly prohibited.
These rules are enforced to mitigate pollution levels, especially during the winter season when air quality in the region is the most vulnerable.
The MCG Commissioner also stressed the importance of maintaining environmental standards in construction activities and urged people to cooperate with the authorities by avoiding any activities that might worsen air quality.
Senior Sanitation Inspector Devendra Kumar, who filed the formal complaint with the police, said that unidentified persons were seen burning the waste. The complaint states that smoke from the fire spread throughout the area disturbing residents and damaging the environment. Kumar has requested the police to file charges under the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act and the Environment Protection Act against the culprits.
The MCG officials said they were enforcing GRAP and taking swift action against violators to ensure a cleaner environment for all Gurugram residents.
