Aurangabad: The city is witnessing a surge in waste burning incidents over the last week, amid rising temperatures. Rampant burning of waste across the city is adding to air pollution. This has got air quality experts and doctors concerned.In-charge of Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) solid waste management cell Nandkishore Bhombe said that waste burning attracts penalty and appealed people not to indulge in the practice.Around seven months after the AMC was barred from dumping waste at Naregaon or Mandki dump yard, heaps of mixed waste continue to be dumped on street corners and roadsides.At several locations, the waste is set afire by people leading to air pollution. The burnt waste can contain all kinds of material like plastic, rubber, paint, metal and organic material.Nisha Natkar, who stays on Smashan Maroti Temple Road, says that the frequent burning of waste in the locality makes it very difficult for residents to breathe.“Over a period of time, inhaling the smoke causes irritability in the throat,” she said.Ear, nose and throat specialist Ramesh Rohiwal said that burning waste releases gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide.“Inhaling the smoke leads to irritation of the delicate nasal mucosa, irritation in throat, trachea, walls of trachea, running nose, cough. Irritable throat is also a precursor to nasal allergy and asthma,” said Rohiwal.Air quality expert Geetanjali Kaushik said waste burning is a serious issue.“In addition to gaseous contaminants, carcinogenic dioxins and furans are also released,” said Kaushik.Bhombe said that municipal corporation has taken action against several individuals for burning waste. “People should refrain from burning waste as it is unlawful and unhealthy,” he added.

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