Noida: Stop burning of waste or face legal action, GB Nagar DM to officials

As per norms laid down by the NGT, a fine of ₹5,000 is to be imposed on anyone found burning waste in the open

The Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate BN Singh on Friday issued an order seeking legal action against officials found to have not taken necessary measures to stop the burning of garbage in their respective office premises.

Burning of garbage in public spaces in the recent times has given rise to pollution fears in Noida. (File Photo)

He held a meeting with officials at the Sector 27 camp office and directed members of the UP pollution control board, Noida authority and the police to deal strictly against those causing pollution and violating norms laid down by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

“In the last one week, no government agency in the district has taken any action against the violators. I have instructed all officials to act strictly against violators,” the DM said.

The DM also instructed officials to conduct a campaign across the district to educate farmers about the risks associated with the burning agricultural waste.

“Many farmers are in habit of burning agricultural waste in their fields because they are unaware of the impact of burning garbage. It runs the risk of driving up the air pollution levels. It is the duty of officials to ensure that farmers are aware of the NGT guidelines and fine that could be imposed on anyone found burning waste,” the DM said.

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As per NGT norms, a fine of ₹5,000 will be levied on those burning waste in the open. It is illegal for farmers to burn residue of harvest as it contributes to smog that is a direct fallout of rising pollution levels.

Uttar Pradesh special secretary (administration), NK Singh, directed all district magistrates (DMs) to encourage farmers to make compost out of agricultural waste instead of burning it in a bid to prevent air pollution.

Following directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), state chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar had on February 10, 2017, issued directions that farmers should be encouraged to make compost out of agricultural waste. Subsequently, the special secretary directed all DMs to ensure implementation of the order.