<p>Despite regulations prohibiting the burning of garbage or dry leaves along the sides of the street in residential areas, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has continued to do so. T N Manjunath of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has alleged that such practices by employees of the MCC or other persons results in health concerns among people, besides other problems.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Manjunath has alleged that in residential areas like Chamundipuram, MCC employees who appear to be oblivious of the regulations, burn garbage rather than transport them to landfills. According to the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, which came into effect in the year 2001, burning of garbage and dry leaves is forbidden. All municipal bodies are expected to completely abide the Rules. “Any violation of the Rules attracts penalty under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Under the Act, violation is punishable for up to five years imprisonment, and/or, up to Rs one lakh in fine. If violation is found to continue, agencies that implement the law could levy a fine of Rs 5,000 per day,” he said.<br /><br />Burning of dry leaves or garbage not only releases toxic gases, but also disfigures the compounds of nearby houses. Garbage, if lit near a tree, also causes damage to the trees, affecting green cover of the city, he noted.<br /><br />He said, despite the Rules being in effect for the past 14 years, the MCC has continued to violate them. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), should take note of the violations and enforce the rules, he demanded.<br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald, KSPCB Environmental Officer Niranjan said, such complaints had come to KSPCB’s notice. “However, contrary to popular belief, KSPCB is not the enforcing agency with respect to Municipal Solid Wastes Rules. The Deputy Commissioner is entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing them,” he said.<br /><br />Following the complaints, he said, he would bring it to the attention of the DC, in order to curb such practices of the MCC.<br /><br />MCC Health Officer Dr Ramachandra said, it was not the workers employed by MCC who were setting fire on dry leaves and garbage, but the general public. “We had convened a meeting recently and the issue was discussed. Instructions have been given to all health inspectors, environmental engineers and workers to ensure that dry leaves are not set on fire. In case of violations by MCC employees, instructions have been given to levy fine as per the Rules, he said.<br /><br />He added, a few members of the general public were not aware of the Rules and were setting fire. <br /><br />Awareness campaigns regarding the problems faced due to such acts are being taken up, he said. Quoting an incident, he said, similar cases were reported in Jayanagar, during the past week. “Even though the persons responsible were not identified, the incident was used to raise awareness about the issue in the locality,” he added.<br /><br /></p>
<p>Despite regulations prohibiting the burning of garbage or dry leaves along the sides of the street in residential areas, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has continued to do so. T N Manjunath of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has alleged that such practices by employees of the MCC or other persons results in health concerns among people, besides other problems.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Manjunath has alleged that in residential areas like Chamundipuram, MCC employees who appear to be oblivious of the regulations, burn garbage rather than transport them to landfills. According to the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, which came into effect in the year 2001, burning of garbage and dry leaves is forbidden. All municipal bodies are expected to completely abide the Rules. “Any violation of the Rules attracts penalty under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Under the Act, violation is punishable for up to five years imprisonment, and/or, up to Rs one lakh in fine. If violation is found to continue, agencies that implement the law could levy a fine of Rs 5,000 per day,” he said.<br /><br />Burning of dry leaves or garbage not only releases toxic gases, but also disfigures the compounds of nearby houses. Garbage, if lit near a tree, also causes damage to the trees, affecting green cover of the city, he noted.<br /><br />He said, despite the Rules being in effect for the past 14 years, the MCC has continued to violate them. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), should take note of the violations and enforce the rules, he demanded.<br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald, KSPCB Environmental Officer Niranjan said, such complaints had come to KSPCB’s notice. “However, contrary to popular belief, KSPCB is not the enforcing agency with respect to Municipal Solid Wastes Rules. The Deputy Commissioner is entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing them,” he said.<br /><br />Following the complaints, he said, he would bring it to the attention of the DC, in order to curb such practices of the MCC.<br /><br />MCC Health Officer Dr Ramachandra said, it was not the workers employed by MCC who were setting fire on dry leaves and garbage, but the general public. “We had convened a meeting recently and the issue was discussed. Instructions have been given to all health inspectors, environmental engineers and workers to ensure that dry leaves are not set on fire. In case of violations by MCC employees, instructions have been given to levy fine as per the Rules, he said.<br /><br />He added, a few members of the general public were not aware of the Rules and were setting fire. <br /><br />Awareness campaigns regarding the problems faced due to such acts are being taken up, he said. Quoting an incident, he said, similar cases were reported in Jayanagar, during the past week. “Even though the persons responsible were not identified, the incident was used to raise awareness about the issue in the locality,” he added.<br /><br /></p>
