The burning of garbage was visible at RCC at Maldahiya and near river
Varuna at Nakkhighat on Tuesday. According to Ram Dulari, a native of
Nakkhighat, the cleaning staff burn the garbage to ward off the foul
smell emitted from it.

The staff little realizes that this
practice may lead to severe health hazard. Even road swept garbage is
burnt in several areas including Lanka, Nagwa, Gurubagh, Luxa, Pandeypur
and Pahadiya areas.

According to regional officer, UP
Pollution Control Board, SB Singh, burning of garbage is dangerous to
both health and environment. The city is already suffering from high
levels of RSPM in air which at present is over 200 units against the
standard level of 60 mirco gram per cubic metres. The present level of
SPM in air is close to 400 units against the standard level of 100 micro
gram per cubic metres.