Kolkata: Even as the civic body, prompted by the pollution control board, uses mist canons and sprays water on avenue trees to stop the spread of particulate matter that increases the pollution count, the efforts are being dampened by the practice of leaves and waste being set on fire in some south Kolkata localities.
For three weeks now, waste dumped along an alley in upscale Ballygunge was set on fire. Leaves shed by deciduous trees, which are swept by conservancy workers every morning, were also set alight. This has been happening on and off Ballygunge Circular Road, leading residents to suspect that this is being done to avoid carting the waste and leaves to a compactor station around a kilometre away. Residents have reported weekly incidents of waste burning. However, the ward councillor claimed it was a homeless person with mental health issues who was responsible. Ballygunge police have been unable to trace or apprehend the mysterious person suffering from a mental disorder.
"The unauthorised waste disposal site at the junction of Paddapukur Road and Ballygunge Circular Road has become a concern. On Friday, we woke up to noxious fumes from all types of waste — plastic, wood, and even styrofoam — being set on fire. The air became pungent and heavy with pollutants. Though the windows were shut, the nasty smell still crept in," said Jagganath Dutta, who resides at a century-old building rightopposite the garbage dump yard. The dumpsite is next to the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Education University, previously known as David Hare Training College.
Dilip Kumar Bose, the councillor of ward 69, said he rushed to the spot twice after being alerted about the fire at the waste dump. "I have been receiving complaints from local residents about the fire incidents. On the last occasion, I also informed the fire brigade ," said Bose. Leaves strewn along Ballygunge Circular Road have also been set on fire at various points. It had been a common practice until a few years ago when complaints by local residents to the KMC led to the civic body asking its conservancy workers not to burn waste. However, the practice has resumed this year. "How are piles of fallen leaves set on fire? I don't believe it is a deranged person doing this," said Sanjib Pariah, a local.
The 2020 KMC Solid Waste Management Rules have penalties for open waste burning. The National Green Tribunal prohibited open waste burning in 2016. Violators face fines of Rs 5,000 for individual incidents and Rs 25,000 for bulk waste burning in open areas. The councillor said he informed Ballygunge police station, and cops were looking into the matter.
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