No fear of ban, burning of leaves continues

Despite ban on the burning of leaves in the city, fumes have been engulfing several parts of the Capital such as Saket, RK Puram and Vasundhara Enclave. Residents have complained that instead of collecting leaves and disposing them, a few sanitation workers have been burning them.

Despite ban on the burning of leaves in the city, fumes have been engulfing several parts of the Capital such as Saket, RK Puram and Vasundhara Enclave. Residents have complained that instead of collecting leaves and disposing them, a few sanitation workers have been burning them.

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Satish Rana, a resident of J Block, Saket said a few days ago, he had noticed a big bonfire of leaves at the colony park. The pungent smell had spread to the entire colony.

Since 2010, the Delhi government has banned the burning of leaves and garbage but problems have started cropping, says Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director (Research and Advocacy), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

"There should be a provision for composting of leaves," she said.

Meanwhile municipal corporation officials say that they have instructed all their workers to dispose the leaves at the dhalaos. Jagdish Mamgain, chairman of works committee, said, "The horticulture department has composting facilities in some of the parks but it needs improvement."