AMC imposes penalty on those burning garbage in open

AGRA: Agra Municipal Corporation (AMC), in last three days, has collected fines up to Rs 18,000 from individuals and organisations for burning of solid waste (MSW) in open and causing air pollution in the city. Apart from this, notices have been issued to a dozen property owners and institutions, which include two private schools. FIRs will also be registered against polluters.

In the past three days, AMC imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on three organizations and a fine of Rs 1,000 each on three individuals for open burning of garbage.

In order to curb burning of solid waste, the local police with the district civil body started a campaign against it on May 14, 2019. This campaign is not only compelling people to be aware of the dangers of burning solid waste, but is also registering police cases against individuals and organizations burning bulk waste in the open. It was also decided to impose a fine of Rs 25,000 as a penalty on bulk polluters.

After the orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to curb rising air pollution in the eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), the civic body has been engaged in action.

Rajiv Rathi, AMC executive engineer (environment) said, “In case a person is caught burning garbage under any circumstances, on the spot penalty of Rs 5,000 will be imposed. A penalty of Rs 25,000 will be charged for bulk waste burning on public or private spaces. Now, we will also be filing FIRs against those who fail to pay the penalty. This may result in imprisonment of the offender.” 

In the case of the burning of garbage, on the basis of a formal complaint of the civic body, the police will file a case under section 133 (removal of public nuisance) of CrPC and section 188 (disobedience to public order for public servant) of IPC.