We are all responsible for keeping pollution under control

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The BMC has received several complaints of waste burning, after launching a dedicated helpline for such issues. Many complaints have been reported from Dharavi. In an effort to combat air pollution, the civic body initiated a dedicated helpline number for registering waste-burning complaints. The option "Burning of waste" has been added to the complaint submission tab of the BMC's "Chief Minister Clean Mumbai Helpline: 81696-81697" WhatsApp service number.

There were several complaints from Bandra West, Wadala and Bhandup. It is important to see what action is taken after the complaint. People must also feel safe to complain, and not fear any consequences. When a person complains, then, does a team arrive at the spot to check and finally take action? Are the culprits who burn the waste at the place or have they already left? These are questions that crop up, and we have to see that this loop is closed.

Closing the loop means complaining, post that whoever is responsible arrives at the spot. The fire has to be doused and waste collected. Those who are responsible face penalty/fines. The punitive action must be such that there is no repeat. While all this is going on, one has to also make sure that awareness is being created about waste burning being punishable and the harm it is creating for the environment. The majority may not even know that waste burning can invite complaints and action. There are huge gaps to fill to complete this circle of detriment to burning waste.

Meanwhile, we can spread awareness in our housing spaces and immediate environment. We need to see more signboards, more social media awareness campaigns on waste or garbage burning. Even the common practice of lighting fires during the slightly cooler months, in the early morning that we see sporadically in urban settings need to be strongly discouraged.