Residents of Balicha area expressed their frustration on Sunday, March 3, 2024, over the recurring issue of smoke emanating from the local dumping yard due to frequent waste burning. In a bid to seek resolution, they staged a protest and summoned the local MLA, Phool Singh Meena, to the site.

MLA Meena promptly responded by contacting the District Collector Arvind Poswal, urging for an immediate solution to the problem. He also addressed municipal corporation officials present at the scene, emphasizing the long-standing nature of the issue and the urgent need for action. 

Anand Yadav, a resident of the area, highlighted the plight faced by the nearby residential scheme comprising 1152 housing units and approximately 500 families. He lamented the daily ordeal of breathing difficulties caused by the incessant waste burning.

The protest began around 9:00 AM when locals closed the main gate of the dumping yard, obstructing incoming waste disposal vehicles. For nearly four hours, they remained steadfast in their demand to cease the smoke by keeping the gate shut. Upon receiving reports of the protest, MLA Phool Singh Meena arrived at the scene accompanied by various municipal authorities including the health officer, fire brigade officer, and local police station in-charge.

In response to the residents' concerns, MLA Phool Singh Meena urged municipal officers to address the issue within 15 days, stressing the repeated complaints received from the community. Residents issued a warning that failure to resolve the problem would prompt further gate closures, hindering garbage disposal activities.

Following discussions and assurances from authorities, the gate was eventually reopened, allowing garbage trucks to resume their operations.

Source: Rajasthan Patrika