Deccan Chronicle 04.09.2009
Garbage remains a burning problem
Chennai
Sept. 3: While the city is yet to discover an environment-friendly method for the effective disposal of plastic wastes that choke Chennai, the metropolis and its suburbs are largely facing a more critical problem in the form of garbage burning — a crisis, which, according to health officials and civic activists, will have long-term health and ecological effect.
Despite repeated complaints and even a Madras high court ruling to restrain it, burning of garbage continues at dumping yards for which Chennai corporation and municipalities blame rag-pickers and miscreants.
“Though we have built walls to prevent outsiders from coming in, they will find some entry point to get in and set fire. Their objective is to salvage iron and aluminium which they could sell to scrap dealers,” said a corporation official.
Residential colonies and schools in the vicinity are the most affected due to the practice. Motorists passing by also have to endure its effects.
Mr M B Nirmal, Exnora International founder, says 10 to 20 sq km area near a dumping yard is directly affected by garbage burning. “The practice continues unabated at Kodungaiyur, Pallikaranai, Perungudi, Otteri and it is not a hidden fact that residents here have respiratory problems, being exposed to soot and dust. The quality of air and water has drastically come down in these areas. Unless and until the government implements strict monitoring, the practice will continue,” he said.
“It is a fact that people living near these yards are susceptible to chronic bronchitis, the fourth largest disease in the world after heart and brain, simply because they breathe in polluted air. Children, senior citizens and those diagnosed with asthma are more prone to this lung disease,” Dr R P Illango, chest specialist of Apollo hospital, told this newspaper.
Dr Illango added that the only option available to prevent the disease is to adopt a scientific approach to garbage disposal and stopping the practice of burning.
