Even as experts raise huge concerns about the increasing air pollution in the city, a resident of Royal Palms inside Aarey Colony has written to dairy authorities, complaining about unregulated burning of dry grass and cattle waste by several cattle farms, which leaves a blanket of smoke all over the area.
Nikhil Tandon, a cinematographer, who has sent the letter and photographs to the Aarey Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said, "Close to sunset, one can notice large plumes of thick smoke rising from different parts of Aarey almost on a daily basis. Initially, I thought this was garbage being burnt at the slums. But then Idecided to visit these areas, after which I realised that in fact, the cattle farms were burning dry grass and cattle waste."
Tandon added that the smoke is so heavy that it spreads around instead of rising up and eventually forms a thick blanket over the area, and all those who breathe this air are obviously at risk.
Stating that the practice was illegal as per the Municipal Solid Wastes Rules, Tandon said that when he questioned the workers involved in the burning at the cattle farms, they said they were getting rid of the waste and keeping pests away.
"On closer inspection, I realised the grass was not burning completely, resulting in thick smoke and a very high particulate matter level. It is a major worry, as air pollution levels are on a constant rise. We all have been seeing these fires. It is high time we intervene and get this stopped," he said.
Manish Gadia of the Save Aarey Community informed that they were planning to meet the CEO and discuss the matter at length. "Obviously, there are alternatives to this burning. We want to sit along with the officials as well as the cattle shed owners and discuss the issue to ensure that this kind of pollution is stopped," he said.
Another activist said they want the dairy department to send a stringent warning to all the cattle shed owners, as it is a large magnitude problem. He said the biomass waste is set on fire on a daily basis, having a huge impact on the health of locals residing in the immediate vicinity.
A BMC official meanwhile said burning any kind of waste, including grass, was not allowed. "Burning dry grass and cattle waste in large quantities increases the particulate pollution, Instead, these should be used to make manure for gardens by burying them in pits," he added.
