Toxic threat to Punjab and Haryana:

Chandigarh Incinerator Order

In Chandigarh, the High Court issued a direction to install incinerator at all towns and cities in the two states having a population of more than 5 lakhs. The order was passed on 3 January 2002. All the studies and research suggest that developed countries are dumping of hazardous wastes and obsolete Waste Technologies. The Waste incinerators have been rendered as an obsolete waste technology in these countries due to pollution and cost operating factors, and are not allowed to operate there by law. Even European Union Incineration Directive seeks measures against it.

Our wastes consist of mainly biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Biodegradable waste forms the largest part of the total waste generated. Major portion of the biodegradable waste can be converted into manure by different processes within the community and the rest of it can be recycled. The non-biodegradable waste needs more technical know-how to reuse and recycle, therefore cannot be done within a community but by Government and private participation.

Studies clearly indicate that the major waste generated can be utilised for composting, recycling and reuse. Indian waste in general has around 65% of organic matter and the same is not suitable for burn technologies. Incinerators for the treatment of municipal solid waste are in fact polluting. They cause various types of extremely toxic pollution some of which are known to cause deadly health hazards including cancer and other defects.

The Bio-medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998 lays down the responsibilities of the Health Care Organisations in managing their waste. It makes waste segregation and collection in separate bins mandatory. It also lays down practices for handling, storage, transportation and disposal. The rule bans the burning of chlorinated plastics and products disinfected with chlorine in incinerators

There are various forums, committees, documents and court orders and directions already exist at the national level which have examined the waste disposal technologies in detail.

The Committee constituted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on Solid Waste Management in Class 1 cities in India, submitted a report titled `Solid Waste Management in Class 1 Cities in India,’ March 1999, page 97, has specifically found “the system of incineration not suitable under the Indian condition”. The Committee has concluded that the incineration of un-sterile waste is therefore not recommended as a method of Municipal Solid Waste disposal. It recommended that Composting be the preferred method of treating and recycling Indian municipal waste.