Task force to check waste-burning in Gurgaon

GURGAON: The HUDA chief administrator's office on Monday issued directions to administrators of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Rohtak, Hisar and Panchkula to establish special task forces to check burning of waste, including leaves, in the open.

This follows National Green Tribunal's January 19 directive that also emphasized creation of a website to enable the public to upload pictures and reports of such incidents and register complaints, on which fines ranging between Rs 20,000 and Rs 1 lakh may be imposed on the offender. Similar orders sent out to MCG, HSIIDC, district administration and HUDA follows the recommendations, submitted on February 12, by a special committee formed by NGT to study air pollution in NCR cities, in which samples from 36 locations were used.

READ ALSO: Let Delhi Breathe: Sign up to save Delhi from choking

The committee observed that NCR cities, especially Gurgaon and Faridabad, urgently need to address the issue of waste being burnt in the open, especially plastic items, tyres, leaves and garden waste. It further claimed that if the respective administrations do not have a policy in place or is not complying by declaring a policy to prevent burning of waste, residents in these cities would be put at risk of developing serious respiratory disorders.

The order (a copy is with TOI) observed, Necessary steps shall be taken with the help of police as part of a special task force, to ensure that such activity is stopped henceforth. Estate officers in-charge of the area shall be personally responsible for activities of cleanliness.

HUDA administrator Anita Yadav said, "I have already given these directions to my estate officers in the past. We'll soon have an internal meeting to ensure compliance of these orders issued to us."