Punjab Pollution Control Board Launches Statewide Initiative to Curb Open Waste Burning; First Training Held in Patiala
Patiala (The Uttam Hindu): The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has launched a comprehensive, state-wide campaign to eliminate the open burning of waste across all cities, towns and villages of Punjab. As part of this initiative, the first capacity-building session for waste workers was organised today in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation Patiala.
Understanding the crucial role sanitation workers play in environmental management, PPCB has initiated targeted training programmes to strengthen responsible waste-handling practices. "Open burning of dry leaves, horticulture waste, and mixed garbage remains a major source of air pollution, releasing harmful pollutants such as PM2.5, carbon monoxide and toxic gases, which contribute significantly to smog and pose serious health risks to the public, especially children, senior citizens and individuals with respiratory illnesses. Waste workers are the spine of Punjab’s waste management system. This initiative will equip our frontline sanitation teams with scientific waste segregation, handling, and disposal techniques, while promoting sustainable alternatives. By building capacity at the grassroots level, we are committed to cleaner air, healthier communities, and a greener Punjab," said Reena Gupta, Chairperson, Punjab Pollution Control Board at the training venue.
The session focused on:
• Avoiding open burning of waste
• Promoting composting and mulching of horticulture waste
• Ensuring segregation of waste at source
• Supporting recycling and scientific disposal practices
The training featured an interactive session by motivational speaker Paramjit Singh Aggarwal, who compared the sanitation workers' role in the cities as significant as that of makeup artist for brides. This was followed by an impactful street play by Tamasha Group, both of which helped reinforce key messages in an engaging manner. All participating waste workers took a pledge to support Punjab’s mission of maintaining a clean and pollution-free environment.
Speaking on the occasion, officials from PPCB highlighted that this initiative marks the beginning of a series of similar training programmes to be conducted across all municipal corporations and local bodies in the state. The Board reiterated its commitment to working closely with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), NGOs and civil society groups to promote community-level solutions for sustainable waste management.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board aims to ensure that local action leads to cleaner neighbourhoods, reduced emissions, and improved air quality across the state.