The municipality authorities in Parachinar and Peshawar are carrying out some actions that are not environment-friendly. These include burning fallen autumn leaves which they collect from streets. The burning may intensify the smog that coincidentally occurs in the autumn season. On the other hand, effective and cheap soil enhancer and natural fertilizer go to waste because of this common practice. Dead leaves cannot only provide nutrients to the soil, but they also act as a shelter for animals.
If the authorities cannot use leaves to prepare organic compost, they should bury them under ground. Once buried, these leaves will pass through the stages of natural decomposition and will prove to be a good natural fertiliser. The severity of smog, fog or haze intensified by smoke, exhaust emissions, or other atmospheric pollutants can be minimised, provided we stop this practice of burning dry leaves.
Dr Mukhtar Ali ( Kurram Agency )