Waste burning in open area

Residents of Dhaka's Gopibagh-Golapbag and Maniknagar neighborhoods are grappling with a major problem. Many local people are claiming that unknown outsiders are burning rubbish that they drop at different alleys and street corners. The smoke and stench that arise are contaminating the environment and making it intolerable for the locals to go about their everyday lives.

Scraps and waste should be collected and managed in designated disposal zones established by the city corporation. However, despite these regulations, the incidence of illegal rubbish burning is rising at an alarming rate. This not only contributes to environmental degradation but also poses serious health risks. The toxic smoke is particularly harmful to children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions, causing allergies, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties. Many residents have recently developed severe respiratory problems due to prolonged exposure.

Locals claim that, despite multiple complaints to the municipal corporation and local authorities, no effective action has been taken. They are urging immediate measures to identify and apprehend those responsible for this harmful practice. Additionally, they are calling for stricter oversight of waste management to prevent such incidents in the future. Some residents have decided to gather signatures in front of Central Women's College to submit a formal complaint to higher authorities, demanding action against this wrongdoing.

Authorities must act swiftly to put an end to this illegal waste burning and ensure a clean and safe environment for all.

Purnasri Debnath

Dhaka

purnasri123@gmail.com