Burning of trash continues unabated in Rawalpindi

Health expert declares situation dangerous for human health

RAWALPINDI:

Despite the ban imposed on the burning of trash to control smog, the authorities have failed to implement the order of the Punjab government and the incidents of garbage burning could not be reduced.

The burning of trash is causing air pollution as instead of properly disposing of garbage and plastic bags in several residential areas, they are being burnt.

Rawalpindi Medical University's Dean of Public Health Professor Syed Arshad Sabir declared the situation dangerous for human health. Due to air pollution, problems could arise for the residents when they breathe, especially people who have asthma or respiratory diseases, he said, adding that air pollution is also harmful to the health of pregnant women.

With the increase in the severity of cold compared to other cities in Rawalpindi, it became necessary to get heat by burning fire there and in some areas the sanitation staff and the residents are burning the garbage.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2022.