Burning of garbage causing pollution in capital

Islamabad: The residents of the federal capital has demanded the authorities concerned to control increasing trend of garbage burning in the city which is causing environmental pollution.
The residents have complained that garbage and solid waste were burnt ruthlessly and thick black smoke polluted the environment.
The city is getting cover with heavily polluted smoke in the morning and evening which is causing serious health hazards to people.
The residents, especially asthma and allergy patients, in the capital, attribute their problem to the presence of heavy smoke and dust in the industrial and garbage burning areas.
Shokat Ali, an asthma patient alleged that the Capital Development Authority did not ensure cleanliness in the capital.
Commenting on the situation, ECO Green Society president Malik Safwan said pollution of any form was posing serious health threats and it was a duty of the civic body to provide pollution free environment to people.
He said burning of garbage was a criminal act and the ICT management must take an action against elements who burnt garbage and solid waste instead of dumping.
On contact, a senior official of Capital Development Authority told APP that there was no precedent of burning garbage by sweeping staff, however, if there was any complaint, the responsible staff would be brought to book.
Subhan Ali, an I-9 resident said, throat, nasal and lung problems are very common in the area, adding that the government should not built apartments in localities adjacent to the industrial area particularly.
National Institute of Health (NIH) Allergy Centre's laboratory expert said that the air quality in a city can be judged by measuring the levels of particulate matters in the air.
Polyclinic Executive Director, Dr Zahid said that air pollution is injurious to health and smoking emitted by trucks could cause respiratory infections, exacerbations of bronchial asthma, and high blood pressure also. Further, he added the smoke contained carcinogens that could cause cancer. He said the garbage burning smoke could cause respiratory problems.